Commerce Minister Cites Confidentiality Clause to Evade Fuel Price Questions

Minister Dorine Chukowry evaded questions from opposition leader Xavier-Luc Duval regarding the fuel price, citing a confidentiality clause in the contract with Mercantile and Maritime Group (MMG), which won the contract for importing petroleum products to Mauritius.

In a lengthy response, the minister argued that MMG’s offer, which included the option to pay in Mauritian rupees instead of US dollars, was more beneficial for the country and promised significant savings.

However, she declined to disclose the purchase agreement with MMG as it contained a confidentiality clause.

Duval criticised the minister’s stance, questioning why a reverse auction was not held to allow other bidders to reconsider their offers.

The minister defended her position, stating that the clause could only be broken with the agreement of both parties.

The minister also faced criticism regarding various taxes on fuel prices, but argued that every rupee collected was used to benefit the population, including free education and pensions for the vulnerable.

Source: Le Mauricien