WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party PAR is calling on the Curaçao government to take immediate measures to reduce the cost of gasoline, water and electricity, arguing that the authorities have several policy options available to provide financial relief to households struggling with the rising cost of living.
In a press statement dated October 18, PAR parliamentary faction leader Quincy Girigorie said the party reached this conclusion after holding meetings with the Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC) and utility company Aqualectra during the parliamentary recess.
PAR representatives during their visit to Aqualectra
According to Girigorie, both organizations provided detailed presentations explaining how fuel, water and electricity prices are determined and what strategic decisions the government could take to make these essential services more affordable.
PAR believes that the government has sufficient room to intervene, both in the short term and through longer-term structural reforms, but must make reducing household expenses a political priority.
Among the measures proposed by the opposition party is a reduction in excise duties on gasoline, which PAR believes could provide direct relief to motorists and help reduce transportation costs.
The party also suggests spreading price increases over several months rather than introducing sharp adjustments all at once. According to PAR, this would give households more time to adjust their budgets and reduce the immediate financial impact of higher utility and fuel bills.
Another proposal involves reviewing the B-3 component of the pricing system. PAR argues that changes to this component should be considered as part of a broader effort to lower costs.
The party further advocates restructuring Aqualectra's tariffs so that consumers with greater financial capacity contribute more, easing the burden on lower-income households.
PAR visit to RAC
However, PAR did not provide specific calculations showing how much consumers could save under the proposed measures or how potential reductions in government revenue would be financed.
During its meeting with Aqualectra, the parliamentary faction also discussed recent electricity load shedding, which the company has experienced because of insufficient generation capacity.
PAR expressed concern that electricity interruptions are occurring at the same time that consumers are facing higher water and electricity prices.
The combination, according to the party, has contributed to growing dissatisfaction among residents who are being asked to pay more for services while also experiencing disruptions in electricity supply.
The faction requested information about how quickly Aqualectra could address the capacity shortage and provide relief to affected consumers.
PAR argues that the current situation requires the government to address not only the affordability of electricity but also the reliability of the island's power supply.
The opposition party maintains that concrete measures to reduce fuel and utility prices are primarily within the government's control.
Girigorie said lower prices are possible in both the short and long term, provided the government treats the issue as a priority.
PAR indicated that it will continue examining the rising cost of living and presenting proposals intended to ensure that Curaçao's economic development translates into tangible benefits for ordinary residents.
The party concluded its statement by questioning who ultimately benefits from economic growth if households continue to struggle with the cost of essential services.
“Otherwise, development for whom?” Girigorie asked.