Guatemalans receive with distrust the subsidy announced due to high fuel prices | Guatemala Herald News

The Government’s proposal to grant a temporary subsidy on regular gasoline and diesel gender divided opinions among Guatemalans.

While some consider that it could represent economic relief, others they doubt its effectiveness and that the benefit arrives on time.

President Bernardo Arévalo announced a bill that proposes support from Q3 per gallon of regular gasoline and Q12 per gallon of dieseleffective until the end of this year, if Congress approves the measure.

For Adiel López, the subsidy would have little impact, since he considers that the increase in the prices of products and services will continue to affect the population’s pockets. so he doubts that it represents a real benefit.

Along the same lines, Marvin Guevara said that any economic support is positive, although he warned that the benefit could take time to arrive and that the population needs immediate solutions to the crisis. increasing cost of living.

The subsidy announced by the Government provides support of Q3 per gallon of regular gasoline and Q12 per gallon of diesel. (Free Press Photo: Byron Baiza)

For her part, Flor Ambrocio expressed concern about the way in which the subsidy would be financed and considered that this type of measures could affect the finances of the State. if not managed properly.

Dora Lara, who identified herself as an older adult, pointed out that the rise in fuel prices has a direct impact on the prices of basic products, a situation that hits hard. greater strength to those living on limited income.

Guatemalans have had divided opinions regarding the temporary subsidy to mitigate fuel prices. (Free Press Photo: Byron Baiza)

In contrast, Gerber Pineda considered that the subsidy could help reduce part of the economic impact faced by consumers and benefit the sectors most affected by the increase in fuel prices.

The Government maintains that the increase in fuel responds to international factors and assures that the subsidy would be financed through a reorganization of the national budgetwithout resorting to new public debt.

The announcement of the subsidy occurred after a series of blockades in Guatemala on July 24 where at least eight roads in the country were blocked. (Free Press Photo: Byron Baiza)

However, before the announcement of the subsidy, the rejection of some sectors was noted on July 24, when at least Eight roads in the country were blocked.

The mobilizations, which expressed their rejection of rising prices, affected routes in Chimaltenango, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, Alta Verapaz, Sacatepéquez, Villa Canales and Izabal.

Source