GHANA’S Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, Dominic Nitiwul is leading a crusade for government to reduce fuel prices drastically, as crude oil prices on the international market hit a four-year low.
The Bimbilla Member of Parliament (MP) is of the opinion that the prices of fuel must be reduced to meet the realities on the ground.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in October reduced petroleum prices by two percent during its bi-weekly fuel prices review.
On Monday, the NPA however announced it will not make any more reduction in petroleum prices.
According to the Authority, although crude oil prices on the world market has reduced, it is taking advantage of the price drop to save money to defray the debt owed Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs).
But speaking to Citi News, Dominic Nitiwul said per the drop in crude oil prices, fuel should sell at GHC 7 a gallon.
He explained that Ghanaians are burdened with economic hardships and since the price of fuel affects everything, it is imperative that the NPA considers a downward review.
Mr. Nitiwul insisted that the NPA’s excuse of using the money to settle its debt with the BDCs is “very poor.”
“I don’t expect that because there are other recoveries, the NPA should continue to charge high prices that they do not deserve,” he fumed.
He served notice to the NPA and the government that he is personally “launching a campaign to make sure they reduce the prices.”
Meanwhile, the African Center for Energy Policy ACEP has backed the call from the Deputy Minority Leader.
The Director of Research of ACEP, John Peter Amewu told Citi News, the NPA’s refusal to reduce fuel prices is indicative the government is being insensitive to the needs of Ghanaians.
He accused the government of not treating citizens well “and I think government tries to underpin our intelligence by not giving us what is due us.”
Amewu remarked that a “very sensitive government will have to listen to the voice of the people and if there is a fall in prices, of course you need to let the people enjoy that.”
He questioned why the government is quick to increase fuel prices anytime there is a rise in oil prices on the international market but fails to reduce prices when the crude oil prices fall on international price of crude.
Citifmonline/African Eye News.com
