Saturday newspapers pointed out the strange occurrence that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued two resolutions regarding fuel prices in the same day. A first one announced that there would be a RD$4.50 increase in the price of premium regular gasoline in the weekly disposition. A half an hour later, another communique was issued announcing that there would be a reduction in prices. The first increase was based on the increase in the international market price of petroleum, the depreciation of the peso and the tax adjustment brought by the fiscal reform of 1 January 2006. The fiscal reform calls for a 25% increase in the tax on premium gasoline and diesel fuels.
In an editorial, Listin Diario was critical of the Ministry applying discretionary powers and not adhering to the law. “We cannot get into the habit of applying the law according to the viewpoint of a government official, because this sets a precedent for any citizen to feel justified in doing the same thing,” stresses the newspaper.
The new gas prices for this week are RD$126.70 gallon of premium gasoline, RD$115.60 regular, RD$96.90 premium diesel and RD$92.50 regular diesel. The new prices are effective 7-13 January. Reportedly, in the second resolution the government did not include the tax reform gasoline duty increase.