Fahad al Ghadani -
Muscat, Feb 1 -
An ad hoc committee at the Majlis Ash’shura has stressed the need for a “fixed price” for petroleum products in line with the needs and situations of citizens.
The committee for ‘Addressing Implications of Economic Crisis and its Effects on Omani Society,’ met under the chairmanship of Shaikh Jamal bin Ahmed al Abri, Deputy Head of the Committee, on Wednesday.
It said the government has to “bear the difference in pricing” and demanded that the authorities amend the decision to have monthly petroleum products pricing.
The committee members pointed at the “vulnerability of citizens”, including the owners of private vehicles, taxis and some trailers, as a result of the new prices.
This, they said, leads to a rise in other basic services.
The members felt the need for an “alternative means of transportation” in the face of rising fuel prices.
The fuel prices announced by the Ministry of Oil and Gas on Tuesday for this month is the highest-ever recorded in Oman’s history.
Diesel now costs 205 baisa per litre compared with 195 baisa in January.
M91 will cost 186 baisas (176) and M95 196 baisas (186). Petrol stations in Oman saw a huge rush on Tuesday night, with many trying to fill the tanks.
Some petrol stations ran out of fuel due to the increase in demand before the new prices could come into effect.
The twitterati went on an overdrive, discussing the price hike and asking the government to review the price.
Mwasalat stated that there would be no increase in fares to offset the fuel price hike. “There is no plan to increase the bus fares because of the hike,” it tweeted.
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