Moustass Leaks Reveal Fuel Price Negotiations of 2022

The rise in fuel prices in 2022 has once again taken center stage in the ninth season of “Missier Moustass,” with new revelations published on YouTube on the evening of November 3, 2024. The latest series of recordings, known as “Moustass Leaks,” delves into the contentious debate over whether fuel prices should be increased or decreased.

The first video featured a phone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister Steven Obeegadoo and outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

During this call, Obeegadoo informed Jugnauth about discussions he had with former Minister of Commerce Soodesh Callichurn regarding a potential government announcement on raising the price of gas cylinders from Rs 180 to Rs 240, along with an increase in fuel prices.

While Jugnauth refrained from confirming the potential gas price hike, he did acknowledge that an increase in fuel prices is forthcoming.

He advised Obeegadoo to have further discussions with Callichurn to assess the financial situation of the State Trading Corporation (STC).

The second recording featuresd a dialogue between Jugnauth and Callichurn, where the latter informed the Prime Minister that international fuel prices are decreasing, forecasting a more than 4% drop that would warrant a meeting of the Petroleum Pricing Committee (PPC).

When asked about the STC’s financial health, Callichurn revealed that the corporation is facing a deficit of nearly Rs 4.5 billion.

The conversation concluded with Jugnauth inquiring if the STC has made profits on its recent fuel shipments, to which Callichurn confirmed, “Kan bato pe vini fer profi wi,” indicating that profits were indeed realized from certain deliveries.

The final conversation features Rajiv Servansingh, the director of the STC, expressing his unease to Jugnauth over the government’s consideration of raising fuel prices.

Servansingh, citing feedback from experienced professionals at the STC, argued that the available data was supporting a decrease in fuel prices while suggesting an increase in diesel prices instead.

He recommended postponing the decision until the following Monday to give it more thoughtful consideration.

However, Jugnauth insisted on swift action, noting the approaching deadline of the 13th.

Servansingh proposed a reduction of Rs 3.40 in the price of gasoline, which could yield savings of Rs 3 to Rs 4. Jugnauth responded firmly, stating, “Ou pa kav bes pri lesans la. Nou pou ramas enn sakre beze apre. Pre pe al donn Joyram rezon osi,” indicating his commitment to proceeding with the planned increases.

Defi Media’s attempts to reach Rajiv Servansingh for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was turned off on Sunday evening, November 3.

Similarly, efforts by Défi Quotidien to contact Soodesh Callichurn and Steven Obeegadoo went unanswered.

Source: Defi Media