Concerns are rising in the community regarding purchasing power, especially with the looming announcement of yet another increase in gasoline prices. Minister of Economic Affairs Geoffrey Wever speaks about the issue of purchasing power, but the increase in gasoline prices – despite being a global issue – also severely impacts our purchasing power in a very negative way.
According to Minister Wever, this remains a genuine concern but is attributed to international developments. Diesel prices may decrease, but gasoline will rise. “It’s international developments that we’re dependent on, and that’s something we have to deal with.”
The minister adds that they are pushing forward with various projects and stated that any rewards that could be given through lowering or reducing excise duties mean that you have to cut elsewhere.
So, it’s not a matter of not wanting to do it, but if a decision is made, for example, to allocate funds to reduce excise duties or lower the BBO on gasoline, then you know that there will be less money available for other areas such as social affairs or education, which are priorities that must be addressed. “So it remains a difficult situation.”
Regarding the plan to import gasoline of different qualities and make it available for consumers to choose, according to Minister Wever, the recommendations received from the RDA so far have been negative. Therefore, the plan has been put on hold.
In different countries around the world, gasoline of more than one octane type is sold. However, in Aruba, there is only one type of gasoline available, and it comes at a high price.
