OIL PRICEY, BUT LATIN AMERICA HOOKED ON CHEAP FUEL
Tue Aug 5, 2008 EDT By Brian Ellsworth - Analysis
ARACAS (Reuters) - Latin American states from energy-starved Chile to oil powerhouse Venezuela are growing dependent on expensive fuel subsidies that could lead to future economic shocks if countries are forced to raise prices. Drivers in Latin America's traffic-choked capitals can buy fuel for as little as 12 cents a gallon thanks to government handouts costing billions of dollars per year, even as high fuel prices spark protests and political fallout around the world. The subsidies are boosting global oil demand and stalling investments that would increase much-needed fuel efficiency as crude prices hover near $120 per barrel and tight supplies have left countries scouring the globe in search of energy. "Latin American countries' dependence on subsidies has left them short of options -- they are going to avoid dealing with the problem for as long as they can," said independent consultant Roger Tissot, who specializes in Latin American energy issues.
"They can't raise the price too much, because we're an oil producing country," said Yonatan Ruiz, 30, an electrical engineer, as he paid a total of $2.33 to fill the tank of his pickup truck at a Caracas gasoline station.
"But if they do, I hope (filling up) won't cost me more than $3.00."
Der arme Venezuelaner tut mir richtig leid, er muß schon mehr als 1,50 Euro bezahlen, um den kompletten Tank mit Benzin zu füllen. Es ist doch gut, dass die Menschheit schlau ist und kein Öl/Benzin unsinnig verschwendet, so dass auch künftige Generationen noch viel Öl haben werden;-)
Tue Aug 5, 2008 EDT By Brian Ellsworth - Analysis
ARACAS (Reuters) - Latin American states from energy-starved Chile to oil powerhouse Venezuela are growing dependent on expensive fuel subsidies that could lead to future economic shocks if countries are forced to raise prices. Drivers in Latin America's traffic-choked capitals can buy fuel for as little as 12 cents a gallon thanks to government handouts costing billions of dollars per year, even as high fuel prices spark protests and political fallout around the world. The subsidies are boosting global oil demand and stalling investments that would increase much-needed fuel efficiency as crude prices hover near $120 per barrel and tight supplies have left countries scouring the globe in search of energy. "Latin American countries' dependence on subsidies has left them short of options -- they are going to avoid dealing with the problem for as long as they can," said independent consultant Roger Tissot, who specializes in Latin American energy issues.
"They can't raise the price too much, because we're an oil producing country," said Yonatan Ruiz, 30, an electrical engineer, as he paid a total of $2.33 to fill the tank of his pickup truck at a Caracas gasoline station.
"But if they do, I hope (filling up) won't cost me more than $3.00."
Der arme Venezuelaner tut mir richtig leid, er muß schon mehr als 1,50 Euro bezahlen, um den kompletten Tank mit Benzin zu füllen. Es ist doch gut, dass die Menschheit schlau ist und kein Öl/Benzin unsinnig verschwendet, so dass auch künftige Generationen noch viel Öl haben werden;-)