"Office to home commuters like me would not be concerned by the updated
gasoline price since we don't drive as much and so are less affected; what's
more, we can take a bus or the metro instead," said Wang Haifeng, an IT engineer
in his 30s.
Zhang Guifang of the Beijing Bus Group Co told China Daily that bus fares in
the city will not be affected by the price rise.
Price rise expected
Meanwhile, Shanghai's taxi companies have responded calmly to the news of the
price hike.
"We have been expecting the price rise for some time. Since the government
has promised to share relevant costs with us, we can do little but wait," said
an officer surnamed Xu with Shanghai Jinjiang Taxi Co Ltd. The State-owned taxi
company has a fleet of about 4,000 cars.
The final cost-sharing scheme between the government and taxi companies
should be available next month after authorities calculate the forecasted loss
from the price rise.
During a meeting of Shanghai municipal government yesterday, officials said
the government will take measures to ensure taxi drivers' income in the city
will not be affected by the price rise.
Shanghai media outlets have quoted some economists' predictions that more
non-State companies will enter the oil retail market in the near future.
Opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs from Shanghai and the delta regions
could open up given that the wholesale price has not gone up as much as the
retail price.
In Guangzhou, some taxi drivers who were severely hit by last year's price
increase and gasoline shortage are crying out for compensation from the
government.
"The municipal government of Guangzhou allowed us to levy a fuel surcharge of
1 yuan (12 US cents) on passengers for each ride, which enabled us to offset
much of the oil price hikes last year. But now the price climbs again!" said cab
driver Li Qiangda.
"The oil price rose consecutively five times during 2005 in Guangdong and now
it has happened again," he said. "I really wonder how long I can continue my
job."
However, Lai Jiang, a private car owner in Guangzhou, is calm about the new
oil price rise.
"I can live with the new rise, which only costs me about 60 yuan (US$7.4)
extra a month," Lai said. "Anyway, it's far better than last year's oil
shortage."
According to Gao Yiqian, an official with the provincial pricing bureau, the
province is hammering out policies to subsidize disadvantaged communities and
public service sectors.