TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lin Dai-hua (林岱樺) urged the government Saturday (July 27) to freeze fuel prices and provide more economic support to help people recover from Typhoon Gaemi.
Chinese Petroleum Corporation, Taiwan (CPC) has activated a price stabilization mechanism to cushion the blow for consumers. Even so, the CPC expects gasoline and diesel prices to rise by about NT$0.3 (0.9 US cents) per liter next week, which will bring domestic fuel prices to a near nine-month high, per CNA.
Taiwan has been battered recently by a series of disasters, Lin said. She urged the government to freeze fuel as a show of compassion for those suffering.
The latest price hike would be the fourth straight week, Lin pointed out. The surge will add to the financial burden on the public.
Disaster victims whose vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the flooding face additional challenges, Lin said. They must now contend with costly repairs and the overall economic fallout.
Lin called on central and local governments to develop policies that address the needs of residents, including providing more financial assistance.