J’ca Opposition Leader Mark Golding hails PM Mottley for capping gas prices in Barbados

SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner: Jamaica’s Opposition Leader Mark Golding has commended Barbados’ decision to cap gas prices, as he continues to criticise the Holness administration’s response to Jamaicans struggling with rising food and energy costs.

Gasoline will cost BDS$4.48 (US$2.24) per litre, while diesel will be BDS$4.03 (US$2.01) until January 31, 2023.

“…If the prices fall below that cap, all of those reductions will be passed through to the consumer. If the prices go above that cap, the Government will hold the line and keep the cap in place,” Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Monday.

Golding said the move will help citizens struggling with rising prices.

“This is what cushioning the crisis looks like, as it regards the rapid hike in gas prices this year. The JA government’s paltry “targetted” effort is simply inadequate,” he tweeted Monday.

For months, Golding’s People’s National Party has been pushing a cap on fuel prices in Jamaica at US$67.50, a suggestion rejected by the administration.

The Opposition has also been calling for the removal of the special consumption tax of $7 per litre that was imposed on fuel in 2015 when it formed the government.

In May, Golding led a protest on the Ministry of Finance during which he delivered a draft ministerial order to Financial Secretary Darlene Morrison that called for a cap on the ad valorem special consumption tax on fuel.

“We feel the gas price is a major factor in this overall inflation. And as you know, there are tremendous taxes included in fuel,” the opposition leader said.