16 Apr 2009

Price of fuel in Solomon Islands expected to rise

12:04 pm on 16 April 2009

The price of fuel is expected to rise in coming months in response to increases at the world market.

Overseas reports say the price of oil has risen sharply after big rises in US stock markets due to optimism about the global economic outlook.

The price of US light crude rose $2.74, or 5.5%, to $52.12 a barrel.

London Brent oil climbed $2.50 to $54.09.

The price rises were sparked by a sharp rally on Wall Street, where shares jumped by 2.9%, and by better than expected sales by leading US retailers.

Light trading in oil in the run up to Easter contributed to the sharp rise.

One of the fuel suppliers in the country said the market price for fuel is unstable.

In the country fuel price at the moment stands at an average price of $7.00 per litre and varies by several cents for diesel, petrol and kerosene.