Two increases too many in two months. Jayen Chellum sounds the alarm on this still unjustified increase and can be rectified if taxes that ACIM considers unnecessary in these times of global crisis are removed. ACIM considers that an urgent rally is needed.
From December 29, 2021 to February 26, 2022, petrol has been increased from Rs 50.70 to Rs 61.30 per litre and diesel from Rs 37.30 to Rs 45.10. The Prime Minister may say that Mauritius is dictated by the international context and that this increase was unavoidable, but motorists and consumers alike are in a state of total incomprehension when faced with this increase, which will have a severe snowball effect on every product and service.
The increase is artificial and can be circumvented
The Consumers’ Association of Mauritius, faced to the press on Wednesday, March 2, argued that “despite the explanations of the Prime Minister and the State Trading Corporation on the increase, this increase in the price of oil has increased in an artificial way. There are ways to reduce the price,” Jayen Chellum said, mentioning the Rs 2 levy for vaccines and the Covid Solidarity Fund. Jayen Chellum’s rhetoric and solutions have not changed since December 29, 2021, increase. Through his rally, he intends to expose how this increase is artificial and how the government can ease the burden. Jayen Chellum has already sent a letter to the office of the Commissioner of Police.
Alan Ganoo “A possible increase will not be surprising”
The nearest increase was only last Saturday, but increases are already being discussed.
Both private and public transport is waiting for a decision from the government on a possible increase of the bus fare, which is expected to happen soon.
Transport Minister Alan Ganoo has made it clear that a fare increase will be an eventuality. He made this statement at the launch of four minibuses by the National Transport Company (CNT) at the commercial complex, La Concorde, Camp Levieux Rose-Hill, which will serve the Camp-Le-Vieux/Curepipe route via Candos, this Wednesday afternoon. “The bus fare has not seen any increase since 2014. This government had provided subsidies to the operators concerned to counter an increase in the bus fare. But, today, it is clear that with the increase in the price of petroleum products, the ‘Fare Review Committeeʹ which falls under my ministry intends to make a decision. This will be presented to the Cabinet in the coming weeks. The Cabinet will decide whether there will be an increase in bus fares or not. If so, it will decide on the quantum. The report is being finalised. The government will make the necessary decisions,” he said, adding, “We will have to adapt to the situation. Today, things are proving difficult”.
‘Taxis Trains’ and vans, which are alternatives to some bus routes, have already increased their prices, some by Rs 5. It is up to the users to decide whether to use these time-saving means of transport! For the time being, only the certified and registered taxis are not planning any increase in their fares as the clientele has been scarce for some time!
The discussion is also on the table between the School Bus Owners Association / owners of the ‘Van Lekol’ and the parents. A higher fare will soon be introduced. The Bakers’ Association is looking for another round table with the government to finalize another price for bread. Following the 29 December increase, the association had already made an estimate and submitted it to the government. So, with this new increase in the price of diesel, they will have to calculate a new and decent price so as not to hit the consumer’s food budget.
