St. Lucia calls for consultation over fuel prices

Local manufacturers in St. Lucia are calling for national consultation in order to develop appropriate strategies to deal with the crisis brought about by the global increase in fuel prices.



The president of the St. Lucia Manufacturers’ Association, Paula Calderon is proposing that the meeting involve stakeholders in the productive sectors including the government.



According to her, the high fuel prices brought about by the turmoil in the Middle East and Northern Africa is seriously affecting local manufacturers with the cost of electricity increasing two fold.



Calderon says the manufacturers may now have to pass on the increased cost of production to consumers.



She is expressing disappointment that discussions were not held between her association and the government before the budget presentation earlier this month.