The increase in the price of kerosene locally has been identified as a growing concern by two of the Opposition parties, and both have called for the government to address this issue urgently.

The PNCR, in its weekly press briefing held yesterday, said that the price of kerosene had “increased beyond the reach of most Guyanese” and “is now more expensive than gasoline”.

According to the party the rise of this essential item is having a negative impact on the poor and they called on the government to act decisively to ensure reduction in the price of kerosene and other basic commodities.
Meanwhile the AFC has accused the government of failing to intervene to ensure that the price of gasoline and petroleum products is reduced on the local market. The party said that the price of these products has been declining on the world market over the past few weeks but this has not been reflecting in the prices locally.

Checks by this newspaper revealed that at one local gas station the price for a litre of kerosene was indeed more expensive than the cost for a similar quantity of gasoline or diesel. At the Esso Service Station on Vlissengen Road, kerosene was being sold at $255.2, while gasoline was priced at $231.7 and diesel at $220.

However, at the Guyoil Service Station on Regent Street, the price for kerosene was significantly lower than the cost at the Esso Service Station. Kerosene was being sold at $197.5 dollars per litre, while the price per litre for gasoline and diesel were $215.5 and $218 respectively.