New fuel prices announced

Jakarta, NU Online
The government announced Friday new fuel prices for household, transportation, small-scale business and fishery sectors following skyrocketing world's oil price.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro made the announcement at the Finance Ministry building after a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace.<>

Premium gasoline price is increased by one-third from Rp 4,500 (48 U.S. cents) to Rp 6,000 while diesel fuel is hiked from Rp 4,300 to Rp 5,500.

The price of kerosene, which is used by most poor families, is increased 25 percent from Rp 2,000 to Rp 2,500.

The new prices will be effective on the stroke of midnight.

Purnomo was accompanied by host Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie, Home Affairs Minister Mardiyanto, Social Services Minister Bachtiar Chamsah, and Communications and Information Minister Muhammad Nuh.

Meanwhile, Bachtiar said that the government will start disbursing the cash transfer program on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. through post offices.

The program channels a monthly stipend of Rp 100,000 to poor families until the end of this year. (jp/dar)