LIFE is about balance, finding a satisfactory mode of operation that keeps a steady, proportional social equilibrium. Without a reasonable degree of balance, especially within a society, you are asking for a collapse.
We are in a state of collapse. The tipping point, on the already uneven scale of living costs, was the increase in fuel prices. A $1 increase on super and premium fuel and a 50-cent increase on diesel may not seem like much, but that slight rise in price has a significant ripple effect.
I drive a diesel vehicle, from empty to full it currently costs me $180, come Tuesday it will cost me about $200. Ten dollars may not seem like much, but that is now ten more dollars I must spend a month.
For example, let’s say I have a very strict and tight budget of $1,000 a month after bills, rent, etc. This $1,000 covers food, gas and any other incidentals or necessities I may need.
Having to pay $10 more a month for gas means I must take that $10 from my allocated grocery funds, emergency funds, living funds. That $10 is only the start because with increased fuel prices we will see an increase in the cost of goods and services, as manufacturers and business owners will have to raise their prices to compensate for the increased costs of fuel.
So, my grocery bill rises, the cost of eating out rises, items I need for my children become more expensive and that $1,000 budget that used to get me through until payday can no longer cut it.
Here’s the thing though, my salary stays the same and I get less value for the money I have worked my butt off to earn.
Now I am not an economist by any stretch, I have the economic knowledge of a grapefruit, but I do have common sense.
Truthfully, we have been spoilt with the gas subsidy and we have been slow to diversify our economy to create new branches of revenue to pad our economy in cases where the oil and gas industry is on shaky grounds. Because, again, common sense will tell you putting all your eggs in a volatile basket isn’t such a great idea.
In my opinion, what should happen is our gas prices, even with the subsidy, should float. When the price of gas is high we pay more, when they drop, prices are adjusted across the board. There will be tight times, but there will also be happy times. The problem is we need a “functioning” Consumer Affairs Division that will watchdog prices and ensures when oil and gas prices drop, businesses adjust their prices to suit.
In a world of profits and greed, I know this suggestion is extremely idealistic, but it is one way to help keep some sort of balance.
Now here is an unpopular opinion, the cost of fuel should be tightly regulated and subsidised for manufacturers, trucking companies, utilities, agriculture, licensed fisher folk, registered taxi and maxi drivers and public transportation. Every day car owners and pleasure boaters will have fuel prices determined by global costs.
“Alicia, you elitist, Marie Antionette, bad mind, wanna watch the poor man suffer, so and so and so!”
I said it would be an unpopular opinion. Obviously, this would only work if our transportation systems got their act together and proved to be safe and reliable… oh and it would mean our Ministry of Works and Transport would have to maintain our roadways properly… you know like they are paid to do.
This unpopular opinion would mean our goods, services and transport costs would remain low, allowing for us to have more purchasing power. It would also free up the Government financially, allowing them to put more money towards schools, health, etc., now that they have less fuel to subsidise.
Perhaps I am too idealistic and living in la-la land where those in charge care about the people who gave them their jobs. Regardless, we need a long-term solution.
Unfortunately, the increase of gas prices came at an extremely difficult time for many, especially those who have had their means of earning a living impacted by the pandemic. Our middle class is eroding, and we are seeing more and more people finding themselves in desperate conditions.
It’s easy to say, “Oh $1 extra isn’t that much!” but to many here in our country that extra dollar is the difference in keeping the lights on or living in darkness.
We need balance and we need it now more than ever.
My Marie Antionette Way to Fix Petrol Prices
LIFE is about balance, finding a satisfactory mode of operation that keeps a steady, proportional social equilibrium. Without a reasonable degree of balance, especially within a society, you are asking for a collapse.
We are in a state of collapse. The tipping point, on the already uneven scale of living costs, was the increase in fuel prices. A $1 increase on super and premium fuel and a 50-cent increase on diesel may not seem like much, but that slight rise in price has a significant ripple effect.
I drive a diesel vehicle, from empty to full it currently costs me $180, come Tuesday it will cost me about $200. Ten dollars may not seem like much, but that is now ten more dollars I must spend a month.
For example, let’s say I have a very strict and tight budget of $1,000 a month after bills, rent, etc. This $1,000 covers food, gas and any other incidentals or necessities I may need.
Having to pay $10 more a month for gas means I must take that $10 from my allocated grocery funds, emergency funds, living funds. That $10 is only the start because with increased fuel prices we will see an increase in the cost of goods and services, as manufacturers and business owners will have to raise their prices to compensate for the increased costs of fuel.
So, my grocery bill rises, the cost of eating out rises, items I need for my children become more expensive and that $1,000 budget that used to get me through until payday can no longer cut it.
Here’s the thing though, my salary stays the same and I get less value for the money I have worked my butt off to earn.
Now I am not an economist by any stretch, I have the economic knowledge of a grapefruit, but I do have common sense.
Truthfully, we have been spoilt with the gas subsidy and we have been slow to diversify our economy to create new branches of revenue to pad our economy in cases where the oil and gas industry is on shaky grounds. Because, again, common sense will tell you putting all your eggs in a volatile basket isn’t such a great idea.
In my opinion, what should happen is our gas prices, even with the subsidy, should float. When the price of gas is high we pay more, when they drop, prices are adjusted across the board. There will be tight times, but there will also be happy times. The problem is we need a “functioning” Consumer Affairs Division that will watchdog prices and ensures when oil and gas prices drop, businesses adjust their prices to suit.
In a world of profits and greed, I know this suggestion is extremely idealistic, but it is one way to help keep some sort of balance.
Now here is an unpopular opinion, the cost of fuel should be tightly regulated and subsidised for manufacturers, trucking companies, utilities, agriculture, licensed fisher folk, registered taxi and maxi drivers and public transportation. Every day car owners and pleasure boaters will have fuel prices determined by global costs.
“Alicia, you elitist, Marie Antionette, bad mind, wanna watch the poor man suffer, so and so and so!”
I said it would be an unpopular opinion. Obviously, this would only work if our transportation systems got their act together and proved to be safe and reliable… oh and it would mean our Ministry of Works and Transport would have to maintain our roadways properly… you know like they are paid to do.
This unpopular opinion would mean our goods, services and transport costs would remain low, allowing for us to have more purchasing power. It would also free up the Government financially, allowing them to put more money towards schools, health, etc., now that they have less fuel to subsidise.
Perhaps I am too idealistic and living in la-la land where those in charge care about the people who gave them their jobs. Regardless, we need a long-term solution.
Unfortunately, the increase of gas prices came at an extremely difficult time for many, especially those who have had their means of earning a living impacted by the pandemic. Our middle class is eroding, and we are seeing more and more people finding themselves in desperate conditions.
It’s easy to say, “Oh $1 extra isn’t that much!” but to many here in our country that extra dollar is the difference in keeping the lights on or living in darkness.
We need balance and we need it now more than ever.