Citizens First Party faults Hichilima on monthly review of fuel prices, calls for subsidy return

The Citizens First Party (CFP) has expressed disappointment at government’s insistence not to switch to quarterly review of fuel prices.

Party Spokesperson, Frank Sichone, said government had continued giving the same lame excuse of depreciation of the Kwacha and increases in international oil prices, thereby inflicting more suffering on citizens.

Sichone told Zambia Monitor that government had totally ran out of ideas and that the situation would continue getting worse.

“This United Party for National Development (UPND) government who promised heaven on earth has been advised on many occasions to immediately re-introduce subsidies on energy but has not listened,” he said.

Sichone alleged that government had completely refused advice, claiming that the 2024 budget did not address the needs of poor citizens.

He argued that at the rate the country was moving, fuel and food stuffs would be unaffordable and that only the rich might be able to withstand rising cost of living by end of the year.

“For this reason, we are asking the Republican President to search his soul and immediately address the nation and admit that his government has totally failed to run this nation, resign and call for fresh elections,” Sichone said.

He said the Citizen First Party under Harry Kalaba was ready to govern the nation and reduce the cost of living for citizens.

“They have totally failed to give us a proper direction on how they can arrest the escalating prices of fuel and other commodities,” he said.

“Monthly price adjustments have also affected the business community and citizens as it is very difficult to plan and we have on several occasions advised government to revert to a quarterly review which they have again refused,” he said.

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