PNG Union Wants Government Fuel Subsidy
(Post-Courier)
The Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) is calling on the government to subsidize fuel costs but not basic food items, which could open up “profiteering by unscrupulous people in the business sector,” the Post-Courier reports.
The union accused the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) of protecting business interests rather than consumer interests.
“What the Government needs to do is consult with key stakeholders in the energy sector to determine how best they can address the question of fuel subsidy,” said PNGTUC president Michael Malabag and his general-secretary John Paska in a joint statement.
They said the current skyrocketing prices, all of which can be traced to fuel prices, “provides for a lethal dose of discontent which can translate to social disharmony.” But they opposed Opposition leader Sir Mekere Morauta’s call for food price subsidies, saying it could open the door to profiteering in the private sector.
http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20080603/tuhome.htm
