The New Patriotic Party says it shocked at the 30 per cent increase in the price of petroleum products in the country. According to the General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow, they were expecting at most 20 per cent price hike and not the 30 per cent announced by government. Prices of petroleum products were last Friday increased by 30 percent across board, a hike which came as a surprise to many. Government and the National Petroleum Authority, had prior to the increases given mixed signals over the cause of action to be taken. Deputy Energy Minister, Dr. Kwabena Donkor had proposed upward adjustment, but the NPA boss Alex Mould denied any increases hinting, further subsidy on the product. Whilst the opposition is not kicking against full cost recovery, Nana Ntow believes the recent hikes should be supported by credible pricing policy. He told Joy News’ Dzifa Bampoe that “no responsible government will subsidize petrol,” adding any increase must be to recover cost. He said the price hikes must be transparent and follow the fixed pricing policy known to all stakeholders. Nana Ohene Ntow has subsequently asked government to provide details of how it arrived at the new increases. “We have been told there is a 30 per cent increase, but we don’t know the tax elements and the cost recovery that went into the price hikes,” he said. He said the party is ready to revise its position, “depending on the information provided them by government.” Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com