WILLEMSTAD – Opposition Member of Parliament Sheldry Osepa of the Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP) is calling on the government to provide answers about rising fuel prices and what he describes as the growing financial burden on Curaçao’s middle class.
In a series of parliamentary questions submitted to the government, Osepa argues that working families are bearing the brunt of recent increases in gasoline prices while receiving little direct support from government measures aimed at easing the cost of living.
Criticism of Government Relief Measures
The PNP parliamentarian acknowledged recent government payments, including the one-time NAf 100 support payment and the previously announced increase in AOV pension benefits. However, he criticized the fact that deductions were applied before beneficiaries received the funds.
According to Osepa, pensioners did not receive the full NAf 1,000 increase that had been announced, while recipients of the latest NAf 100 payment reportedly received slightly less after deductions.
He argued that government assistance should be paid in full, particularly at a time when many residents are struggling with rising living costs.
Focus on the Middle Class
A central theme of Osepa’s letter is what he describes as the neglect of the middle class.
He argues that individuals earning slightly more than NAf 2,500 per month often do not qualify for social assistance programs but still face mounting financial pressure from inflation and higher fuel prices.
According to Osepa, many middle-income workers depend on vehicles financed through bank loans and therefore experience fuel price increases immediately and directly.
He contends that these households are affected twice: first through higher gasoline costs and again through higher food and consumer prices caused by increased transportation costs throughout the economy.
Questions on Fuel Policy
The PNP legislator is asking the government to explain its broader vision regarding fuel price increases and whether additional price hikes are being considered in the future.
Among his questions, Osepa asks whether the government recognizes the disproportionate impact of higher fuel prices on workers who rely on private transportation and whether sufficient consideration is being given to protecting household purchasing power.
He also seeks clarification on why the government has not implemented fuel price mitigation measures similar to those used in 2022 and asks for an assessment of how purchasing power has changed during the years the Pisas administration has been in office.
Purchasing Power Concerns
Osepa further argues that inflation has significantly reduced the real value of wages.
In his letter, he presents the example of a worker earning NAf 3,200 per month who, despite receiving the same nominal salary today, may effectively have the purchasing power of someone earning considerably less due to higher prices.
The PNP parliamentarian wants the government to provide figures showing how household purchasing power has evolved over the past five years and whether economic growth has translated into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Call for Government Response
In total, Osepa submitted nine questions to the government, covering topics ranging from fuel pricing policies and inflation to purchasing power and government finances.
He is also seeking clarification regarding statements made by the government about the country's financial position and the availability of public funds, questioning why residents continue to face increasing costs despite reports of improved government finances.
The questions were submitted under Article 96 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure and Article 57 of Curaçao’s Constitution, which grant members of Parliament the right to request information from ministers.
The government is expected to respond to the questions in the coming weeks.