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President Jose Eduardo dos Santos on Thursday reportedly told Angolans the government would try to ameliorate the effects of a crippling 1,600 percent hike in the price of fuel introduced
this month, but did not offer a cancellation of the increase.
Speaking at a meeting of the ruling MPLA's Central Committee, he recognised that there was a lack of coordination between government departments over the sudden withdrawal of the subsidy on fuel announced on 3 February. But he ignored appeals by civil society to rescind the hike, which has increased the cost of living for already desperately poor Angolans.
Angolan fuel was among the cheapest in the world. The huge increase in petrol, diesel, paraffin and butane gas has been interpreted as preparatory steps by the government towards an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. But critics have condemned the unexpected increase. Even the Economic
Commission of the National Assembly recommended earlier this month that the government rethink the price rise.
The Angola Peace Monitor reported that on 17 February police broke up a small demonstration in Luanda organised by the opposition Progressive Democratic Party condemning the hike. Public protest is frowned on by the government.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions