Latest update August 20th, 2026 12:07 AM
APNU opposes fuel tax hike at this time
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Parliament’s largest Opposition faction, is
APNU is opposing a 20 percent increase in the gas and diesel fuel tax
opposing a hike of the fuel tax in light of the current political situation.
The faction, which controls 26 seats in the Opposition majority National Assembly, said that the current suspension of Parliament makes it worse and there should be no new taxation.
According to APNU yesterday, it views the Cabinet approved increase of the excise tax on gasoline from 20 to 40 percent, and diesel from 15 to 35 percent as unwise and uncalled for.
“APNU notes that despite dramatic reductions in the price per barrel (of fuel) on the world market, the people of Guyana, especially in the mining, manufacturing, agricultural and transportation sectors, will not get any relief.”
APNU said that it believes that this continued taxation by the PPP/C will have a direct negative effect, increasing the costs of production in gold mining, manufacturing and other sectors that are heavily dependent on gasoline and diesel.
“APNU condemns this action especially in light of the PPP/C Administration’s prorogation of the Parliament of Guyana, thus shutting out the peoples voice; there should be no new taxation without representation.”
Earlier this month, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, in a notice to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), said that under the Financial Administration and Audit Act, the Cabinet of Ministers approved increases of the excise tax on gasoline from 20 percent to 40 percent. Diesel was also raised significantly from 15 percent to 35 percent.
The increases took effect from November 5 and will remain in force until further notice, the Finance Minister said in his notice to Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur.
It was copied to Auditor General, Deodat Sharma; Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Mahender Sharma; the Guyana Oil Company, Sol Guyana Inc, and Rubis Guyana Inc.
Under a special measure, Government can from time to time adjust the excise tax on fuel, depending on the prevailing price. In most cases the taxes were reduced to help cushion prices locally as prices on the world market went up.
Earlier this week, crude oil fell to a four-year low of US$79 per barrel. It has been selling for over US$100 per barrel in recent years.
Fuel imports accounts for a significant chunk of foreign exchange spending for the country.
Fuel prices in Guyana remain among the highest in the region.
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