ANKARA - Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler said on Tuesday that they were not planning to increase fuel oil, electricity and natural gas prices at the moment.
Guler replied questions of reporters during a press conference on oil exploration studies by the Turkish Petroleum Corp (TPAO) and the British Petroleum (BP) in north of the Black Sea.
When asked whether they had received any demand about increase in fuel oil, electricity and natural gas prices under the economic package, Guler said that any price increase was not on their agenda at the moment. When recalled of Special Consumption Tax increases, Guler said that it was not an issue he was responsible for. ''By purchasing gas, we made those discounts. Keeping it at fixed price is also a discount. Because we keep it at fixed price although it costs high.''
Responding questions about sale of Manavgat's water to Israel, Guler said, ''there are hotels in the area and they need potable water. We are reviewing it. Also Cyprus needs water. And there are water needs in our region. Our meetings with Israel on Manavgat's water are continuing. When the date becomes clear, a draft agreement will be signed.''
(MS-AY) 20.01.2004