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Fiji Labour Party has questioned EFL’s decision to withdraw a 52% subsidy on the first 100 units of electricity used per month by its domestic consumers.
The EFL subsidy was worth $17.67 (52%) per month while the government contributed $16.34 (48%), making a total of $34.01c in monthly subsidy.
While the government subsidy continues, EFL has, without explanation, withdrawn its commitment effective 1st April.
The subsidy was initiated to assist the people in a situation of severe economic downturn following the Covid pandemic.
“The Labour Party is satisfied that EFL has the financial capacity to continue the subsidy, and should do so, as a responsible public sector corporate organization, until economic conditions improve,” said Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry.
“The Party is apprehensive that the withdrawal of the subsidy may be a sign of things to come now that the government has embarked on a partial privatization of EFL,” he said.
#Fuel and #CookingGas prices up
Mr Chaudhry also expressed concern at the rapidly rising prices of fuel and cooking gas.
“The increases announced in the April review by the FCCC are enormous, coming on the heels of similar hikes last month,” he said.
In the two months from 1st February to 1st April the following price increases have been allowed by FCCC: (Viti Levu prices – people outside pay more)
Motor Spirit from $1.94 - $2.24 - 30c per litre
Diesel from $1.61 - $1.86 - 25c per litre
Kerosene from $1.08 - 1.43 - 35c per litre
Cooking Gas (13kg) cylinder from $36.17 - $40.94 - $4.77
Bulk Gas from $ 2.33 - $2.64 - 31c per kg
“Fiji Labour Party believes that the profit margins allowed the oil and gas companies and their intermediaries need to be reviewed in the context of the current economic and market conditions, and in the public interest.
“A promised review by FCCC late last year of the current price determination template and methodology has not eventuated.
“We urge that this be completed without any further delay as the current trends in the prices of these commodities appear to militate against the public interest,” Mr Chaudhry said..
The EFL subsidy was worth $17.67 (52%) per month while the government contributed $16.34 (48%), making a total of $34.01c in monthly subsidy.
While the government subsidy continues, EFL has, without explanation, withdrawn its commitment effective 1st April.
The subsidy was initiated to assist the people in a situation of severe economic downturn following the Covid pandemic.
“The Labour Party is satisfied that EFL has the financial capacity to continue the subsidy, and should do so, as a responsible public sector corporate organization, until economic conditions improve,” said Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry.
“The Party is apprehensive that the withdrawal of the subsidy may be a sign of things to come now that the government has embarked on a partial privatization of EFL,” he said.
#Fuel and #CookingGas prices up
Mr Chaudhry also expressed concern at the rapidly rising prices of fuel and cooking gas.
“The increases announced in the April review by the FCCC are enormous, coming on the heels of similar hikes last month,” he said.
In the two months from 1st February to 1st April the following price increases have been allowed by FCCC: (Viti Levu prices – people outside pay more)
Motor Spirit from $1.94 - $2.24 - 30c per litre
Diesel from $1.61 - $1.86 - 25c per litre
Kerosene from $1.08 - 1.43 - 35c per litre
Cooking Gas (13kg) cylinder from $36.17 - $40.94 - $4.77
Bulk Gas from $ 2.33 - $2.64 - 31c per kg
“Fiji Labour Party believes that the profit margins allowed the oil and gas companies and their intermediaries need to be reviewed in the context of the current economic and market conditions, and in the public interest.
“A promised review by FCCC late last year of the current price determination template and methodology has not eventuated.
“We urge that this be completed without any further delay as the current trends in the prices of these commodities appear to militate against the public interest,” Mr Chaudhry said..
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