FOLLOWING the reductions in fuel prices, citizens have been calling for a reduction in transportation fares for frequently used sources of transportation in Guyana, particularly minibus and taxis.

But president of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Mr. Eon Andrews, had this to say in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday: “Despite all the calls for the reduction in bus fares by the Guyanese citizens, a decision on this issue cannot be made unilaterally.”

Andrews noted that this matter has to be discussed in an in-depth meeting with the relevant authorities at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to determine whether or not the prices should be dropped.

Apart from that, he said: “Minibuses don’t only run on fuel; there are also other areas which need to be looked at carefully, so that no hasty decision is made.”

EFFECT ON STAKEHOLDERS
Andrews added: “A bus is not owned by an entity, it is owned by an individual; therefore measures need to also be put in place so that the stakeholders who are involved in this form of business are not affected and can still be able to earn a decent living”.

Andrews alluded to the fact that, for instance, in 2011, there were lots of discussions when the minibus drivers asked for an increase of just $20 on the initial prices at that time.
“To alleviate the current situation, a comprehensive meeting ought to be held so that the needs of commuters (and) minibus owners and operators can be justified,” Andrews contended.

NORMAL PRICES
Andrews said that even after general reductions in the prices for various fuels, for some unexplainable reason, other than in the Palmyra area, the prices for those fuels have remained the same in Berbice. He said: “This is an issue which needs to be looked at and sorted out immediately.”

SMALL BUSINESSES BUREAU
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Business Bureau, Mr. Derrick Cummings, explained earlier this week that “the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is looking forward to initiatives by those businesses which will benefit significantly from the reduction of fuel to promptly commence a downward adjustment for payment by consumers for goods and services delivered.”

Cummings noted that the Ministry is asking businesses and their representatives to take note and act accordingly. He said some of those businesses are: the Aircraft Owners Association; Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association; Minibus Operators; Speed Boat Association; Taxi Service Association, and Guyana Agro Processors Association, among others.

REDUCTION IN FUEL PRICES
The reduction in fuel prices announced on Monday by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, has to date, been lauded by several sections of society. Gasolene has been reduced from $995 to $695 per gallon, representing a 30 percent reduction; diesel has been reduced by 30 percent, from $985 to $694 per gallon; and kerosene saw a reduction of 42 percent, from $850 to $496 per gallon.

(By Navindra Seoraj)