Purnomo says government ready to explain reasons for fuel price hikes

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the government was ready to explain to the House of Representatives (DPR) its reasons for raising domestic fuel oil prices recently.

"We are waiting for the questions from the House and will answer them. We will explain why oil lifting and consumption levels are high," the minister said after attending a function to mark World Occupational Health and Safety Day at the State Palace here on Wednesday.

He said, in the period 1965-2000, the government had increased fuel oil prices a total of 30 times. Since 2000, the government had raised them seven times and there were reasons why the government had done so.

"There is a reason of justice, so that fuel oil will be enjoyed by all, of efficiency, of potential abuse and so on," he said.

On the opinion that the oil lifting and consumption figures issued by the government were unrealistic, the minister said he did not share the view. "Just check it. The Oil Regulating Body (BP Migas) is monitoring the production figure. Just check it, at what point are the figures unrealistic," the minister said.

He said ...