Fuel Prices Hike: Mauritian Consumers Gear Up for Protest on Oct 7

In an announcement by the State Trading Corporation (STC), on Saturday evening, the dreaded price hike has come to pass. Both diesel and gasoline prices have surged, sending shockwaves through consumers.

Gasoline now stands at Rs 72.10/litre (from Rs69/litre), while diesel climbed from Rs 54.55/litre to Rs 60/litre.

The Association of Consumers of Mauritius (ACIM) has hit at the hike.

“The increase in fuel prices was anticipated, as the cost in Mauritius isn’t determined by global oil barrel rates, but by political decisions and the imbalance of the Price Stabilisation Account (PSA),” ACIM secretary Jayen Chellum (pictured below) told Defi Media.

He explained that an amendment to the law states that until the PSA fund is replenished, there will be no reduction in fuel prices. “What we’re witnessing is the Prime Minister’s complete control.” 

In protest, a demonstration is slated for October 7, with a formal letter already dispatched to the Police Commissioner.

On the other hand, PM Pravind Jugnauth attributed the rise to international market trends.

“What will your protests achieve?” That’s the question posed by Jugnauth on Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Pailles. He was participating in International Day for the Elderly celebrations at the Swami Vivekananda Convention Centre.

During his address, the PM commented on the recent surge in fuel prices. Jugnauth asserted that the increase was prompted by global market trends.

With inputs from: Defi Media, Le Mauricien