I was shocked at the news that electricity tariffs have been increased by 21 per cent, based on a projected increase in oil prices to US$155 (S$224) per barrel.

Experts are predicting prices of only US$100 to US$120 in the long term.

Actual prices are also decreasing, and stood at less than US$90 per barrel yesterday.

Inflation is at an all-time high, and public-transport and food prices have just gone up.

How much must the Government add to the burden caused by the rising prices of basic necessities?

As a regulatory authority for the energy market, shouldn't the Energy Market Authority (EMA) safeguard consumer interests and increase electricity tariffs gradually if there is a real need to do so, like what the Public Transport Council has done for public-transport fares?

I am living in my parents' condominium, hence we are not eligible for rebates.

We are also the ones who always receive the least benefits and suffer most from increases in the cost of living, even though we do not own the property.

A lot of other Singaporeans are facing this plight too. I hope the EMA will reconsider this sudden surge in electricity
prices as it will definitely add to our burden.

With the bad economy and rising costs, why would couples want to have children when they cannot even afford the basic necessities for themselves?

I urge the Government and EMA to empathise with the struggling Singaporean middle class and Singaporeans at large and revise this sudden increase in prices.

The rationale behind this raise is unjustifiable, unnecessary and unwelcome at this juncture.

Mr Alex Chan

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