There will be no increase in minibus fares for the Christmas season, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the General Minibus Association of Guyana (GMAG) and the Guyana Public Transportation Association (GPTA) have agreed.
The price for short drops will remain at $60, the ministry said in a press release.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad met members of the GMAG and GPTA to discuss the issues of fares and other matters of concern to the two associations.
According to the release, President of the GMAG Hubert Archer lobbied for a reduction in the consumption tax on petroleum products to cushion the increase in prices. In addition, he urged that there be more “options” and as such gas stations should sell regular, premium and super premium gasoline.
The release said Prashad pointed to the reduction in the consumption tax for both gas and diesel, which was reduced from 50% and 25% to 17% and 10% respectively. It stated that as a result, government was losing millions of dollars in tax because of the decision taken in the interest of the travelling public and Guyanese as a whole.
It added that a meeting with representatives of the major oil companies- Texaco, Guyoil and Sol is slated for early January and the issue of the price and quality of fuel will be discussed.
