The global impact of fuel price

Editor: The fuel price has a global impact economically. Almost every item is impacted and price of the commodity rises as fuel price rises. Therefore, when fuel price goes up it does not only affect the vehicle owners but everyone, for almost all items are produced using fuel. As a result a rise in the fuel price will mean a rise in production cost which is then passed on to the consumers.

While everyone is affected by the rising cost of fuel, there are some sectors of the work force who are feeling it much more than others- some civil servants and workers employed by other institutions and businesses. It is commendable the help given to fisher folk and farmers and I trust it is appreciated. However, do these persons with the exception of those farmers who would have suffered immense damage from the volcanic eruption really impacted negatively as much as the working class. The same can be asked of the fisher folk, for while their cost of materials and equipment will go up and their production cost rise, they naturally would pass on the cost to the consumers. Added to that, they would have received assistance of $500 monthly to aid in their production, while the civil servants and other workers receive none, but are expected to bear the cost of the rise in commodity at the supermarket and elsewhere.

It is to be expected that businesses would naturally raise the price of their items and service to help cushion the rise in cost of purchasing the items. When they raise their item it is passed on to the consumers who in the end feel it. Having said that, these civil servants and other workers are feeling the squeeze for their take home pay is reduced since they have to spend more for clothing, food and other necessities, while still have to pay for transportation. Those who have vehicles their expenses to get to and from work go up for they have to pay more for gas, and service parts to add with the already rising cost of clothing and food.

These are indeed difficult times and so discipline ought to be exercised in how moneys are spent and of course consideration ought to be given for an immediate reduction of customs duty on auto parts and vehicles. After all they the workers contribute like others significantly to the economy and production. Let us hope for better in the coming months.

Kennard King