Petrol to be included in stockpile list
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said the stockpiling is a step to ensure the country has enough of such goods and it would help to stabilise prices.
“We will have the first (National Price Council) meeting as soon as the Prime Minister returns from
“Petrol is one of the items that we might consider on the list,” he said.
Shafie declined to reveal the entire list that would be discussed during the meeting to be chaired by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
It was reported that among the essential goods to be listed on the stockpile list include cooking oil and rice.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced on Wednesday that the setting up of the stockpile, council and a National Call Centre as part of the strategy to combat rising prices especially due to escalating oil prices globally and climate change.
“We need to address the issue for the long-term as shortages can occur even for amply produced items.”
Shafie said the stockpiling of the goods would not lessen the current supply in the market.
He said this after launching the Taste of Malaysia Business Matching 2008 Programme organised by his ministry and GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd on breaking into the
On the street protest against price hikes at KLCC today, Shafie said it would bring more damage than good.
“We are trying to control rising prices and the council will be a big step in achieving that as we don’t want consumers to suffer.”
The protest is organised by a coalition of non-governmental organisations and opposition parties.
Assessed on Saturday January 26,2008, at The Star Online.