By Tahna Weston
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United Taxi Company (UTC) President Ian Joseph wants discussions with authorities before any possible increase in fuel prices, saying higher costs could affect taxi operators.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that the government may eventually have to increase fuel prices as it continues to absorb higher petroleum costs.
Joseph said the transportation sector understands the pressure facing the government but wants to discuss ways of managing any additional operating costs.
“Some time ago, yes, we had this conversation about the possibility of the price at the pump increasing. And while we may understand that they may have good reasons to up the prices at the pump, we in the transportation sector would need to have a conversation with the authorities to see how we can mitigate that extra cost,” Joseph told Observer media.
Joseph said the taxi sector has been operating under the same fare structure since 2005, although there has been an adjustment.
He noted taxi drivers have already been expressing concern about the possible impact of higher fuel prices and he is hopeful that a call for discussions will be met favourably before any increase.
“Well, I’m happy to speak to you about it because I have members approaching me and other taxi drivers meeting me in the streets and already saying that this is going to affect the way they operate. And so, I am optimistic that we will have a conversation with the authorities before any increase. The Minister of Tourism is very approachable and we will see how it goes from there,” Joseph said.
Meanwhile, Browne said the government has lost about 30 million dollars in revenue over the past six months while keeping fuel prices unchanged.
“The government itself would have lost… $30 million in revenues and in addition to that, we have a liability owed to West Indies Oil Company in order to maintain the current price of $14.25 and $14.50 for diesel and gas, respectively.
“We have the lowest prices for gasoline and diesel up to now within the region, barring Guyana and Trinidad, but I have to admit I don’t know how much longer we can sustain that. So, we’re gonna have to have a conversation at some point and we may just have to increase the price,” the PM said.
Browne noted the government has also been affected by the prolonged war in Iran and remains hopeful the conflict will be resolved before the end of the year.
He said the government could be facing a total loss of about $40 million when the liability to West Indies Oil Company is included.
Taxi Operators Want Talks Before Possible Fuel Price Increase
