Opposition Leader Blames Latest Fuel Hike On Petrotrin Closure

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the latest fuel price hike is a direct result of the closure of the Petrotrin refinery.

In a release, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said the increase in fuel prices will increase the cost of goods and services across the board. She said with food prices also likely to increase further, she is of the view that there is no plan in place by Government to treat with the nation’s food security.

Meanwhile, Pointe-a-Pierre Member of Parliament David Lee, in a statement, called on the Government to commit to decreasing the price of fuel as soon as global prices decrease.

Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert announced on Friday in the Parliament that gas prices would increase by one dollar per litre, and diesel by 50 cents per litre.

In related news, the Tobago Business Chamber says it fully understands and appreciates the need of the Government to balance its budgetary allocations. However, Chamber President, Martin George, says it comes at an unsuitable period for citizens. He said the Chamber also understands Government’s need to increase its revenue to ensure that it matches its spending. Mr. George said the increase in fuel prices are unfortunate, especially as the nation makes its way out of the pandemic.

Mr. George said the Business Chamber was hoping that the Government would have announced that the measures would take effect at a later date to allow citizens to prepare for the increase. Minister of Finance Colm Imbert said the measures will take effect from April 19th.

By: Mahalia Joseph-Wharton

TTT News