Dispel people's anxiety over the price of gas

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw urges the Government to inform the people whether it intends to approve the increase of gas price in 2008, in order to dispel anxiety.

The hike in the price of reinforced flour, industrial gas and so forth has attracted much attention. How would the Government deal with the price of gas and petrol?

Dr Tan is worried about the rumour of the increase in the price of gas becom,ing a reality. The price of goods does not reflect the increase Consumer Price Index bey over 2 points. Consumers find that the price increase int he market is between 30 to 60%.

Although the Government has announced that there would not be further increase in gas price in 2007, what does it intend to do in 2008? The world price of crude oil manitains at over US$ 90 per barrel. When will the Government allow the hike in gas and petrol price? The rumour through SMS during the New Year resulted in long queues at petrol stations which sold out the fuel. Some predict that petrol price will increase after the coming general elections.

Now, the price of gas in 12 kg and 14 kg packings is RM 21 and RM 24 respectively. The rumour is that each kilogramme will go up by 24 sen or 27 sen or 60 sen. If it goes up by 27 sen per kg, 14 kg will be RM 3.78, that is, RM 27.78 per 14 kg packing.

The price rise in the reinforced flour affects the price of bread, cakes, noodles and so forth. Further increase in gas price will hit the people badly. For example, Tenaga Nasional Berhad uses mostly gas as raw material. If TNB considers raising electricy rate gradually, it would not be surprising. Restaurants, petty traders, residents and others use gas directly or indirectly.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs must use the 2008 budget allocation of RM 430 million effectively, especially the RM 46 million for consumer affairs. The Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah and his deputy Dato' Seri Najib must discuss with the suppliers of gas and petrol about the price increase, so as to prevent inflation.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw