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MOT Test Boycott: May One Pick Motorists’ Pocket?

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MOT Test Boycott: May One Pick Motorists’ Pocket?

The fuel situation reflects the Belarusian "economy".

Belarusian drivers remain one of the most vulnerable segments of the population. Recent statistics showed that Belarus is an outsider among European countries regarding the availability of motor fuel. At the same time, Belarusian gasoline is one of the cheapest in Europe.

Constant fees in the form of MOT tests and road tax make a life of Belarusian drivers considerably tough. These fees do not influence the quality of Belarusian roads in any way.

Experts believe that, in the absence of agreements with Russia on oil supplies, Belneftekhim may switch to a new tactic - to raise the price of motor fuel two or three times a week. How will it affect the Belarusian car owners? Charter97.org asked blogger Viktor Gorbachev for comments.

- Belarusian gasoline is one of the cheapest in Europe, but the Belarusians can't afford it. How do you explain this phenomenon?

- The wages of Belarusians do not correspond to even the cheapest goods in Europe. Yes, we have low fuel prices, but we can buy 500 litres of fuel on our salaries, while Europeans - 700, 800, 1000. Although they have higher fuel prices. This is quite indicative. It's a litmus paper.

- World oil prices are falling, while Belarus raises gasoline prices every weekend. What is the ground for such a paradox?

- It's been a paradox for several years now. The same situation is in the housing and utilities sector. The government reports that there is no inflation, and prices are constantly rising by five-ten per cent. It's the same with fuel. People resent that prices go up every weekend. The lower oil prices in the world, the more expensive gasoline is in Belarus.

The government says that the world suffers economic difficulties, problems, one needs to feel safe and raise prices for a penny. This indicates that the country is experiencing a protracted economic crisis.

Instead of economic reforms, another way out - to raise prices for everything - is offered. Starting from gasoline to housing and utility services. Price growth is the main method of economic management. They cannot but do it. There are no other methods.

By the end of the year, a litre of gasoline may cost about 1 dollar. And people will say, "No way, this figure is so unexpected."

And I will cite another example - Belarusian banks. Great guys. Now they charge a fee for paying for services in cash. Who does pay in cash? That's right, pensioners who have no smartphones, computers and the opportunity to pay for services online. They received a pension, paid for housing and communal services, it's minus four or five rubles.

- Experts believe that Belneftekhim may switch to more aggressive tactics of raising the price of motor fuel. Do you think this scenario is realistic?

- I think it is quite real. They can do it two or three times a week. People will just fuel cars less, and the regions close to Russia - Homel, Vitsebsk, Mahiliou - will refill in the neighbouring country. After all, soon fuel prices will be lower there. The 90s will return when tankers refill in Russia and then sell fuel in our country.

- The authorities said that cameras will catch motorists who do not pass the MOT test. Will it affect the boycott of motorists?

- I think 50-60% of motorists ignore the inspection. It's done not to pay the road tax. People believe that these sums are incompatible with the quality of our roads and the attitude towards motorists. That's why people say that they will stand until the end. That's why all video cameras, "letters of happiness" are nonsense. Nothing will affect our drivers. They won't pay anyway.

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