-to cushion recent transportation price hike
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon has again voiced concerns and expressed the Government’s disappointment over the increase in cement prices on the market and the hike in transportation fares by some route operators. The HPS who was at the time addressing media operatives during a post-Cabinet briefing at the Office of the President yesterday, stated that Cabinet in reviewing the situation, is inclined to establish a shuttle service for large settlement communities, which will entail the provision of buses.
This attitude towards Guyanese consumers has been surfacing for over three weeks, despite Government condemning the action.
Prior, the Ministry of Finance had announced the reduction of the excise tax on gasoline from 15 percent to 10 percent, a move that has made a significant dent in tax revenues, hence allowing GuyOil to continue to retail gasoline at a cost of $980 per gallon resulting in no increase in public transportation fares.
The Cabinet Secretary had recently also expressed the Government’s concern over the issues, especially the increase for cement on the market noting that fair trade and competition rules and regulations are again being breached by major players in the retail sector. (GINA)