Dominica govt looking at possibilities to remove custom charges from fuel

Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, exclusively listened to the questions of the general public on Sunday.

Monday, 11th April 2022

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, exclusively listened to the questions of the general public on Sunday. He directly interacted with people during his weekly Annou Pale episode through calls. A caller asked Prime Minister if the war between Russia and Ukraine impacted the fuel and food prices in Dominica. He stated that eventually, the war affected the costs, and the government is considering to remove the 3% customs charge from petroleum. "The prices have gone up in Dominica, and one of the things that we are looking at in concern to gas prices is that we are looking at possibilities of removing the customs service charge, which is about 3% on the petroleum," said the Prime minister.

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He stated a few years ago, the government of Dominica also removed the excise tax and the customs service charge on LPG and Kerosene. "In respect to additional importation in the country, he said the government is also looking at possibilities of removing freight and insurance as part of the consideration for being subjected to customs duties," said the Prime Minister.

"I am firm in my convictions to help the less fortunate; I have a commitment and vocation to help people; people who went to school with me can tell you that I wouldn't have my snack and give it to them and stay without, that's how I know life,".

"There have been no taxes on Kerosene and LPG in Dominica from last 8 to 9 years," said the Prime Minister. A caller also asked questions concerning the financing of the international airport and asked what is government's plan B to construct the airport, other than the CBI Funds. Answering this, Prime Minister said that the airport would cost Dominica around $1 billion, and if by any chance there are any changes, then the government would seek assistance from the People's Republic of China, which previously offered help to construct the airport. "We are very confident, and we place our trust in God that he will continue to provide for us, with the successful building of the international airport using our CBI Funds, and not exposing current and future generations to bear the load of a huge debt," said the Prime Minister.