The president of the Senate, Ramón Alburquerque (PRD-Monte Plata) said that the increase in the prices of petroleum is a problem that should concern all. He urged that the government implement an austerity plan and make necessary cuts to avoid a fiscal deficit. "Nobody should be rubbing their hands pleased that this places the government in difficulties, because this is a serious problem for the economy," said the congressional opposition leader. He suggested the government eliminate the 350 deputy ministers that he said absorb about RD$1,000 million of the state’s budget. He said the powerful nations of the world could make the price drop if these used their strategic reserves. He said that the producers know that too high prices work against them, because alternative energy sources will become attractive. Secretary of the Presidency Alejandrina Germán said that if in April petroleum prices do not drop, the government will consider increasing the price of fuel. With fuel costing US$25 the barrel on world markets, the government upped prices in October 1999. Economist Arturo Martínez Moya advocates an immediate increase in the price of fuel; he believes prices will continue high for another two months. Former governor of the Central Bank Hugo Guilliani Cury says that the high prices are transitory. Both believe, nevertheless, that the government should implement austerity. They both say that there should be mechanisms in place so that fuel prices fluctuate depending on international market prices.
