Wednesday, Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie, Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF) accompanied by the Directors General of the National Port Authority (APN), of the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) and executives of the ministry went to the Senate to defend the draft budget law for 2014-2015 before the Economic and Finance Committee.

In discussions between the two parties, the price of petroleum products has been one of the central points in response to questions from Senator Jocelerme Privert, President of the CommissionEconomy and Finance, Steven Benoit and Mélius Hyppolite, on the increases on the petroleum products sought by the Government, he minister explained that "The State is obliged to adjust the pump price [...] We can not use all the resources of the country to finance only the energy sector, ie pump prices and electricity. People must assume its part of responsibility in the running of the country [...]"

If the Government does not agree to continue to subsidize petroleum products prices at the pump will rise from 200 gourdes to 215 gourdes between October and November 2014 for gasoline and 228 gourdes between December 14 and January 15 to reach 243 gourdes between March and September 2015.

For the diesel (gasoil) which is 162 gourdes, it should increase to 175 gourdes in October before rising significantly in January to 184 gourdes to reach 192 gourdes in March 2015.

For kerosene, purchases to 161 gourdes, it should increase to 171 gourdes in November, 179 gourdes in December before reaching 185 gourdes in March 2015.

Steven Benoit indicated that these increases will not be accepted by the Senate.

While the minister said that the government will enforce the law that plans to adjust gas prices based on market prices. "[...] On average we have to stay within this range in order to collect the taxes we need. However if one were to apply the rates as such, continues the Minister, gasoline would increase from 200 gourdes to 300 gourdes," adding that the Government's objective is not to suffocate the economy to collect taxes. "Increase in pump prices is not a policy issue but rather of economic security [...] Fuel prices should not be used for sow panic both in the population than at the government."

The first senator of the West added, "If you want to kill people do it now," reiterating that him and several other senators will not vote on the draft budget law if price increases provided in Article 9 is maintained.

But the finance minister indicated that although Article 9 can be subtracted of the document, this does not prevent price increases, the Government will do it via the tariff...

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-11900-haiti-economy-the-next-fiscal-year-could-begin-without-its-new-budget.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-11800-haiti-economy-lower-house-voted-unanimously-the-budget-2014-2015.html

HL/ HaitiLibre