ID :
16774
Sat, 08/23/2008 - 20:23
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/16774
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FUEL PRICE REDUCTION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PERMATANG PAUH BY-ELECTION - PM
BACHOK (Malaysia), Aug 23 (Bernama) - Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi denied allegations that the reduction in the prices of petrol and diesel announced by the government Friday was linked to the Permatang Pauh by-election.
"It has nothing to do with it. It is for all the people of Malaysia not just for Permatang Pauh. Each time I meet reporters I keep getting asked when the prices will be reduced, now I have done it. And now still more questions. The reduction in petrol prices is the best deal," he told reporters after opening the kenaf collection, processing, packaging and distribution centre near thisnortheastern town Friday.
He said the opposition should not make the price reduction a political issue as the step was in line with the government's pledge to adjust fuel prices basedon world oil prices.
"After the (world) oil price started dropping, it rose up again by US$5 yesterday. If we were to wait until the end of the month and the price keeps going up, the average price for August would be on the higher side and it will mean we will not be able to give the best reduction for the people," hesaid.
However, he stressed that even if the world crude oil price spikes again, petrol price in Malaysia will remain at RM2.70 maximum a litre for theyear.
"We cap it at RM2.70," he said, adding that the government will review the petrol price end of the month and if the world oil price declines furtherthe government will move in tandem with it.
"If it drops further, we will be able to reduce some more when reviewing the matter on Aug 31. This is also good for the people," he said, adding that hehoped traders would show responsibility and reduce prices accordingly.
He said the government had anticipated the people's reaction on thereduction.
"Some will complain it is not enough while others will be grateful thoughit is only slight," he said.
He added the government would continue to give fuel rebates until March2009 even if fuel prices were reduced.
Effective Saturday, the price of petrol (RON97) will be reduced by 15 sen to RM2.55 a litre from RM2.70, RON92 by 22 sen to RM2.40 a litre from RM2.62 anddiesel by eight sen a litre to RM2.50 from RM2.58.
"It has nothing to do with it. It is for all the people of Malaysia not just for Permatang Pauh. Each time I meet reporters I keep getting asked when the prices will be reduced, now I have done it. And now still more questions. The reduction in petrol prices is the best deal," he told reporters after opening the kenaf collection, processing, packaging and distribution centre near thisnortheastern town Friday.
He said the opposition should not make the price reduction a political issue as the step was in line with the government's pledge to adjust fuel prices basedon world oil prices.
"After the (world) oil price started dropping, it rose up again by US$5 yesterday. If we were to wait until the end of the month and the price keeps going up, the average price for August would be on the higher side and it will mean we will not be able to give the best reduction for the people," hesaid.
However, he stressed that even if the world crude oil price spikes again, petrol price in Malaysia will remain at RM2.70 maximum a litre for theyear.
"We cap it at RM2.70," he said, adding that the government will review the petrol price end of the month and if the world oil price declines furtherthe government will move in tandem with it.
"If it drops further, we will be able to reduce some more when reviewing the matter on Aug 31. This is also good for the people," he said, adding that hehoped traders would show responsibility and reduce prices accordingly.
He said the government had anticipated the people's reaction on thereduction.
"Some will complain it is not enough while others will be grateful thoughit is only slight," he said.
He added the government would continue to give fuel rebates until March2009 even if fuel prices were reduced.
Effective Saturday, the price of petrol (RON97) will be reduced by 15 sen to RM2.55 a litre from RM2.70, RON92 by 22 sen to RM2.40 a litre from RM2.62 anddiesel by eight sen a litre to RM2.50 from RM2.58.
