The Belarusian car drivers are actively discussing a possible increase in prices of automobile fuel. Thus, it is reported that some Hrodna gas stations have risen retail fuel prices by more than 10% since February 22. At the same time the state concern Belneftekhim confirms no information about higher fuel prices.
Belneftekhim press secretary Marina Kostuchenko reported that there was no official information about a possible increase in retail fuel prices, reports «Nasha Niva.»
Meanwhile, according to information on Hrodna blog s13, the cost of gasoline of 95th grade has been increased from Br3.24 to Br3.63 at the gas stations since February 22, as well as 92nd grade — from Br2.87 to Br3.21, 80th grade — from Br2.25 to Br2.52, diesel fuel — from Br2.58 to Br2.89.
Campaign «Stop — Petrol!» May be Repeated
Chairman of the organizing committee of the public association «For auto» Artem Sharkov has said that activists are ready to repeat the last year’s campaign «Stop — petrol!» in case of high fuel prices. The organizers share an extremely negative attitude towards an increase in fuel prices.
«Higher prices for motor fuel would not entail only additional costs for motorists, but would also automatically affect other sectors of the economy. Since they are all related to road transportation,» said Artem Sharkov.
However, according to the head of the organizing committee of the association «For auto,» protest against the fuel price increases will depend on car drivers’ reaction. Artem Sharkov said that last year’s campaign was effective enough, «Ejednevnik.»
Gasoline Price Increase is Natural, Former Head of National Bank
In turn, the former chairman of the National Bank of Belarus Stanislav Bogdankevich considers increase in petrol prices as natural on the background of the current state of the economy and the budget. According to Stanislav Bogdankevich, the government tries to improve the economy through price increases, having balanced incomes with spending.
«The Belarusians income has recently increased. Accordingly, the prices are rising as well. In January, food prices rose by almost 15%. The decision to raise fees for transport services by more than 20% has just been made, which is unreasonable from the standpoint of citizen Bogdankevich, as well as any other citizen, spending the money. As he’ll become poor in the end. But it is very reasonable from a position of the economy balance. One should live within ones means. And any price increase is an attempt to improve the economy. For the government does not produce any other ideas,» said the former head of the National Bank.
As Telegraf previously reported, state concern Belneftekhim has 10% increased selling prices for heavy oil products (heating oil, kerosene, fuel oil, tar and bitumen) since February 1, 2011. Nevertheless, Belneftekhim leadership said that so far the price of petrol and diesel wouldn’t increase within the country despite a rise in wholesale prices for heavy oil since February 1.
Meanwhile, economic sanctions have been renewed by the United States in respect of the state concern. The U.S. State Department announced the cancellation of the document on January 31, under which the U.S. citizens were allowed having business with Lakokraska and Polotsk-Steklovolokno, subsidiaries of Belneftekhim.
