TUs tell Trade Minister not to give in to companies' request

by L. S. A. Wedaarachchi

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Trade Union Federations have requested Trade Minister to appoint a special committee to look into the necessity of increasing the price of a gas cylinder and not to give in to the multinational companies request.

The Democratic Trade Union Joint Front (DTUJF) Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that the aim of the gas companies to increase their profit margins. International wholesale gas prices, shipping charges and other related costs should be studied by a commission, Nanayakkara said.

The Secretary Sri Lanka Nidahash Sevaka Sangamaya, Leslie Devendra said that a careful study done on the world gas prices and the import cost submitted by companies is vital.

Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that the government reduced the prices of the 12kg gas cylinder by Rs. 20 instead of approving the request made by Shell gas to increase the price by Rs. 204.

He said that a decision will be taken after a careful study has been done on related matters in line with the directive of the supreme court on gas prices.

The Trade Minister said that he would take legal action to protect consumers if gas companies continue to increase prices without complying with the pricing formula recommended by the court.

He said that under the present trend of escalating world oil and gas prices people should seek alternative sources of energy.

He has instructed the State Trading Corporation to market the low cost cooker that would enable households to reduce the expenditure on gas and electricity. The cooker was invented by NERD recently.