GOVT CALLS ON PEOPLE TO BE AWARE OF SOARING GLOBAL CRUDE PRICES

Semarang, C Java, June 8 (ANTARA) - Communication and Information Minister Muhammad Nuh Saturday called on the people to be aware of the soaring global crude prices that prompted the government to raise the prices of subsidized fuel oils last month. Holding demonstrations was the people's rights to convey their aspirations but they must not turn anarchic, he said responding to widespread anti-fuel oil price hikes rallies in the country. If global crude prices did not skyrocket, the government would not raise the prices of subsidized fuel oils, he said. "If global crude prices were US$100 a barrel, the prices of subsidized fuel oils might not be raised. As global crude prices are ranging from US$120 to US$130 a barrel now, they will put oil subsidy on the line (unless the government raises the prices of subsidized fuel oils). That is why we call on the people to be aware of the soaring global crude prices," he said. Before the prices of subsidized fuel oils were raised nearly 70 percent of oil subsidy went to 40 percent of well-to-do families in the country, he said. The recent rise in the prices of subsidized fuel oils was expected to improve the poor's living standards, he said.