–
Minister Armand Achaibersing responded live via Facebook on Tuesday afternoon the increase of the fuel price in Suriname. The minister talked to a few critical citizens, including campaigner Pakitow, who a protest action has been announced this Friday.
The Minister indicated in a clear and controlled manner that the measure was really necessary. “The Surinamese government doesn’t do things to hurt people. But if the petrol price had not been adjusted, a situation would arise in which no petrol would be available ”, says Achaibersing.
Fuel is imported from abroad and paid for in hard currency. The price increase appears to be a direct result of the appreciation of the US dollar against the SRD, which has been in effect this morning. “There are no dollars to buy at SRD 7.52, so the higher price is a given,” said the minister.
He further indicated that it is a tough measure to get the Surinamese economy back on track. Due to years of mismanagement from the previous government, the government has to deal with a deficit every month. The measure may enable the government in Suriname to bridge its deficits.
Achaibersing also stated that citizens should deal with the high fuel price pragmatically. “People can drive fewer kilometers, drive less for a day or leave the car behind and start carpooling,” said the Surinamese minister of finance.
The live video can be seen here:
