No fuel price hikes anytime soon
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Briefing journalists on Tuesday, the principal energy officer, Merapelo Tautona said any impact emanating from the rise in international crude oil prices will not be felt locally as it will be cushioned by the National Petroleum Fund (NPF).
The NPF is used by government to pay petroleum retailers the difference between the administered and prevailin0g fuel prices.
While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...