IFP MEDIA STATEMENT BY: 
MR ERIC LUCAS MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON MINERALS AND ENERGY

6th May 2008

The latest petrol price hike is of grave concern to the IFP, said Mr Eric Lucas MP, IFP Spokesperson on Minerals and Energy.

Mr Lucas today commented that the latest petrol price hike will not only have a serious effect on the lives of the poorest of the poor, but it will affect all South African consumers - rich or poor.

"The IFP has become extremely concerned about this issue, because experts have warned that this latest hike will tip the balance for many who are desperately trying to pay for basic daily necessities, while trying to keep a roof over their heads," said Mr Lucas.

Mr Lucas continued: "We are further alarmed that Wednesday's fuel price hike will see the cost of diesel rise above the R10/litre mark, which will render thousands of older pumps unable to handle the extra digit.

"This in the IFP's view, will once again leave the rural population vulnerable, because the fuel price at the pumps will now have to be counted manually. This could lead to the exploitation of illiterate citizens. This is a very serious issue to the IFP.

In conclusion Mr Lucas said: "More and more of South Africans are being forced to live below the bread line. The IFP believes that the ever-rising price of fuel has become a crisis and we want to reiterate our call, that even though the international price of crude oil is beyond the control of our Government, we still believe that the time has come for Government's minerals and energy department to start exploring all ways and means to keep the price of petrol down - and it is therefore important that we revise the formula for petrol pricing as a matter of urgency."