KIGALI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's national regulator announced a significant increase in fuel prices effective Friday, the latest review within a period of two weeks amid a surge in global oil prices due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
A liter of petrol is set to cost 2,938 Rwandan francs (about 2 U.S. dollars), up from 2,303 francs previously, according to a statement issued late Thursday by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), the national regulator.
RURA said the adjustments reflected prevailing international market trends, supply dynamics and government measures to mitigate the impact of the global price surge.
It said due to targeted interventions, the price of diesel remained unchanged at 2,205 Rwandan francs, announced earlier this month, in order to maintain support for the public transport of goods and people as well as overall economic activities.
RURA urged the public to plan travel efficiently, use public or shared transport and avoid unnecessary travel in order to reduce fuel consumption.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva told reporters that in view of pressure from rising global oil prices, the government's priority is to keep goods flowing, using market mechanisms to prevent shortages, including fuel. ■
