Belize Bus Association Warns of Breaking Point as Diesel Subsidy Decision Lingers

Tonight, there is another fire being fanned as bus operators are again pressing the government for an urgent decision on extending the diesel subsidy, warning that persistent fuel prices could push the industry to another breaking point.  In a letter dated August 12, Belize Bus Association President Philip Jones told Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh that the association has yet to receive a response to its initial request submitted on July 15.  The BBA had asked for a decision by the end of July, citing the financial pressures confronting bus operators. However, Jones says the ministry did not respond.  According to the letter, the association followed up with Zabaneh on August 5 and was advised to forward the request directly to Prime Minister John Briceño. The BBA says it did so the following day, but has received no response from either official.  The association is now requesting an answer by the end of this week. Jones says members hope the matter will be addressed with the urgency it requires, warning that the economic situation could cause tensions to escalate unnecessarily “to a breaking point for a second time.”  The subsidy came out of an agreement signed on April 29, following protests and disruptions by bus operators over soaring fuel costs. Under the deal, the government provided private operators with a three-dollar-per-gallon diesel subsidy, while approving fare increases ranging from fifty cents to one dollar.  The arrangement took effect on May 4 and was approved for three months, meaning it expired in around August 3. Anticipating its expiration, the Belize Bus Association wrote to the Transport Minister on July 15 requesting an extension but says it has yet to receive a decision.