Motorists ponder on alternatives as gas prices increase
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE recent increase in fuel prices has left some motorists holding their heads in despair and begging for some sort of relief from the situation.
Information presented in the most recent listing of unleaded gasoline (ULG) prices issued by the Ministry of Finance on May 21, 2008, is that as of today, Thursday, May 22, 2008, the commodity would be sold for as much as $16.15 per gallon.
Specifically, the release informs that unleaded gasoline will be sold at $16.15 per gallon at Delta service stations, $15.70 at Shell service stations and $14.02 at Texaco service stations.
Since April 16, 2008, the Ministry of Finance has issued eight releases advising the public of fluctuations in the prices of unleaded gasoline.
Between then and now, the price of unleaded gasoline sold at Delta service stations has increased by $2.72 from $13.43 while an almost $2.00 increase was recorded at Shell service stations. At Texaco service stations, a $0.27 was recorded about six releases ago, but since then the price has remained unchanged.
GRAPH 1 – Increase in ULG prices between April 17 and May 22
Consumers began feeling the impact of rising oil prices in late 2006 when the “Full Pass Through System” was implemented under which consumers would absorb any fluctuation in the price of fuel on the international market.
GRAPH 2 – ULG prices as outlined in releases from the Ministry of Finance during the period April 17– May22
SKNVibes spoke with a number of motorists about the rising cost of fuel and they indicated that their pockets are already strained with the “high cost of living” and the rising cost of fuel does nothing to help the situation. ~~Adz:Right~~
“It’s horrible. It’s overbearing. It would have a significant impact on my pocket because I have to commute to work using my vehicle everyday, which would mean that I would have to spend more money on gas. It will put an extra strain on my budget,” one motorist said.
Commenting specifically on the present cost of fuel, one motorist simply exclaimed, “The prices are ridiculous!”
“Gas now is very expensive. This is killing poor people. It’s rough! The price is more than $16 now; they are going to kill us if these prices go any higher. Last year, about $16 was enough to fill my vehicle’s tank but now that can’t do,” another said.
One motorist went as far as to suggest that if the situation does not get better, motorists would have to decide whether it is more feasible to walk, utilise public transport or to use his or her own vehicle.
“Once ago, a car was a necessity, now it has gone to being a luxury or even a burden. Imagine those persons who have to travel from St. Pauls to Basseterre and back on a daily basis. With these prices they will soon have to decide whether it is more profitable to commute or stay at home. The cost of living is sky high and paychecks are quite the opposite.”
Rumours are rife that stemming from the rapid escalation of the price of fuel, members of the various bus associations around the island have been lobbying for an increase in fares. It is also rumoured that the bus associations are being asked to hold off on increasing the fares, as measures are being sought for implementation to curtail the effect of high and rising gasoline prices.
At is stands, bus fare for the shortest distance is $2 and as much as $3 for longer distances.
