Finance Minister, Seth Terpkeh has said government is putting measures in place to alleviate the plight of the poor, as the new petroleum prices came to force Sunday. Government on Saturday announced in a release a 15 to 20 per cent hikes in fuel prices effective Sunday, February 17, 2013 based on the crude oil price of $116 per barrel and an exchange rate of GHS1.89/USD. According to the release, the workout indicates that government has maintained some subsidy on the prices of petroleum products. But Executive Member of IMANI Ghana, Bright Simons said the decision will not favour the poor, who will be at the receiving end of paying more, while the rich continue to enjoy subsidy on the products. Speaking Monday on the Joy FM Super Morning Show as co-host, Bright argues the subsidy on the products rather benefits public officials who are supplied fuel freely, while the deprived are made to face the swelling effects. But Mr. Seth Terkper said government has among others, increased the fleet of buses for Metro Mass Transit to facilitate transportation to and from rural areas at relatively cheaper costs. The Finance Minister said rehabilitation works on railway lines are ongoing to aid the movement of goods from the hinter lands to the cities at affordable fares. He said government has also directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies to submit a budget based on which fuel allocation will be made. According to him, those who exceed their quota before the year ends will see their supply cut off, unless they justify the need for it.