Fuel price hike to be decided on Friday

The fate of the planned increases of fuel prices, which have met strong opposition from various quarters, would be decided in an economic Cabinet meeting on Friday, according to a result of a meeting between the House of Representatives' Commission VIII with government officials Thursday night.

The Commission VIII which deals with energy demanded the government to postpone the implementation of fuel price increases due to strong opposition from the people.

But Director General of Oil and Gas Rachmat Sudibyo told the meeting that he could not promise anything as the decision.

Earlier on day, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said the government had not yet changed its stand in terms of fuel price increases.

"Up to today, we have not considered delaying it," Kwik said.

Kwik said thus far preparations for the increases in fuel prices had been going well.

"I contacted the finance minister yesterday evening and he said there was no problem so far," he said. (*)