By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Fuel stations in Auki, Malaita Province, that did not receive any tax exemption from government have raised concerns and are unhappy.
They said government’s fuel tax exemption to one fuel business is causing an unfair competition for them.
BSP Gas Fuel Refill Station in Auki, which had received 100 percent tax exemption from the government, sells fuel at lower prices compared to other fuel stations.
It is however, understood that yesterday, government announced that this tax exemption had been revoked.
As of yesterday, BSP Gas Fuel Refill Station fuel prices were $12.40 per litre of pure petrol and $13 per litre of diesel. Other fuel refill stations have fuel prices ranging from $14 to $14.40 per litre of petrol and $14 to $14.60 per litre of diesel.
The assistant sales manager of RKR Fuel Station, William Fera, said they were unhappy that the government prioritised only one particular business by giving them the tax exemption.
He said that their businesses are significantly affected as they now have fewer customers, which would impact their employees’ salaries.
“We don’t agree with the way the government has selected only one foreign business among us here in Auki. The government should have selected us, the struggling local businesses.
“This is unfair, and our business will be most affected by this. From now on, we will experience fewer customers, unlike before when we had the same fuel prices,” he said.
The manager of the EK Fuel Station, Ezra Kiri, also expressed the same sentiment, saying their businesses will be badly affected by the decision.
He added that there should be only one selling price for customers.
The BSP Gas Fuel Refill Station’s fuel prices dropped this week from the normal prices last week.
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