THE reduction in fuel prices announced by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday has been lauded by several sections of society to date. Gasolene has been reduced from $995 to $695 per gallon, representing a 30

percent reduction; diesel was reduced by 30 percent, from $985 to $694 per gallon; and kerosene saw a reduction of 42 percent, from $850 to $496 per gallon.
The most recent appreciation for reductions were expressed by several consumers, drivers and others, who shared their views with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday.
*Lakeraj Rambaran, an elated citizen stated, “I went at Guyoil and never came back with so much money yet, because imagine, I does go Guyoil with short money, but today the amount I get back I could have bought another drum of kero; furthermore, things come so easy to people in this country so if we keep this country this way Guyanese gone get real happiness and really enjoy the sweetness now”.

*Derick Boston, a pensioner, stated that the drop in the prices “has helped us a lot, especially those who do business very often and have to travel a lot because the gas price is more affordable now and this will be a major help to everyone”.

*Leslie Weeks added that this is a good thing, and “we should be able to feel it, the benefit right away as the prices come down.”

*Dhanesh, a taxi-driver says it feels great, all taxi-drivers happy.
“Everybody feel we does make a lot of money, but not really, and so this reduction is welcome, we taking home a bit more money.”

Iftikar Rahaman, a “Route 50” bus operator, yesterday stated that before the drop in fuel prices bus drivers used to work for almost next to nothing; but now this reduction brings a bit of ease to bus drivers on the whole, and they can also now be able to make a bit extra by saving on what they usually used to pay for fuel.

*Inool Zaman, sharing his view on the reduction in fuel prices, said that this is a good move by the Government, and he hopes that the reductions will remain in effect for a while.

*Ishmael Mohamed stated that he is happy with the reduction in the prices of fuel, thanks to the Government, and he hopes to see more efforts like these that will benefit the citizens of Guyana.

*Jerome Romeo, another taxi driver, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, stated that this is a good move, because persons can now do a lot more with the money that they will now save. Apart from that, he alluded to the fact that minibus fares should be dropped at least by a little, so that “we can all show our appreciation for this effort, because we’re all in this together.”

*Junior, a driver, stated that this is a good initiative, because “people can now afford to travel from far, to work and so.”

*Terry stated that “the drop in fuel prices is very good, and now that this has been done, we can enjoy fuel at an affordable price, and also we can expect a drop in transportation prices.”
The reduction took effect from Monday.

(By Navendra Seoraj)