The government announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged for the time being until consultations have been held with various civil society groups. The advocacy organization is therefore offering itself as a discussion partner.

“The protection of socially vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, must not be an afterthought, but must be a condition, regardless of the outcome of the discussions on the fuel price cap,” Aniel Koendjbiharie, chairman of Stichting Wan Okasi, wrote in a press release.

According to him, persons with disabilities currently receive an allowance of SRD 2,750, supplemented by SRD 1,000 and a purchasing power allowance of SRD 1,800. However, these additional forms of support are not always paid on time, and many people have recently been confronted with the discontinuation of the purchasing power allowance without a clear explanation. This problem is separate from the fuel price discussion and already exists. A group that is already living below the poverty line cannot afford further uncertainty.

Whenever fuel prices are adjusted, transportation costs, the prices of goods and food also tend to rise. Persons with disabilities are hit hardest for two reasons. First, they often do not have equal opportunities to increase their income because essential conditions such as accessible education, employment opportunities, suitable transportation and an inclusive labor market are still insufficiently available. Second, as a result of their disabilities, they often incur additional costs for assistive devices, transportation, medical care and personal support. For this group, therefore, every price increase is not a marginal adjustment, but a direct threat to their economic security.

Stichting Wan Okasi is not opposed to market-based pricing or the gradual phasing out of subsidies. The organization recognizes that the government has to make difficult economic choices to keep public finances healthy.

“We do ask that, before a decision is made on the fuel price cap, the following points be put in place: an automatic link between the allowance and purchasing power support and developments in fuel and food prices, so that compensation does not depend on a new political decision every time prices are adjusted; a guaranteed and timely payment of the purchasing power allowance, with clear communication about when and why it is adjusted or discontinued; and a formal impact assessment for persons with disabilities and other socially vulnerable groups before a final decision is made to abolish the fuel price cap,” Koendjbiharie said.

According to the chairman, these demands are not secondary to the economic issue, but a prerequisite for fair policy. Stichting Wan Okasi is asking the President of the Republic of Suriname to receive the organization at short notice to discuss these issues, as a contribution to the announced consultations with civil society groups.

Economic reforms are sometimes necessary, but they must never come at the expense of the dignity and economic security of the most vulnerable citizens. Without an adequate social safety net, every subsequent adjustment to fuel prices risks pushing people who are already living below the poverty line even further into hardship.