The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-23

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] War for Food

23 Apr 2008 18:03:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÁNA/ÌPA

Some speak of paralogism and others of "silent tsunami" of hunger sweeping the worlds most desperate nations which, however, has an impact on developed nations. Fuel price is breaking one record high after the other reaching $120 per barrel from $68 in a year. EU Commissioner for Trade has called on the World Trade Org. to intervene to stop this frenetic race. However, feeling of desperation prevails both in the international market and poverty stricken countries.

At the Mercy of Food Crisis

The skyrocketing cost of food staples, stoked by rising fuel prices, unpredictable weather and demand from India and China, has already sparked sometimes violent protests across Asia, Africa and Latin America. People loot shops for a loaf of bread in Egypt while the army has assumed the protection of rice fields in Thailand. In Senegal cost of food staples has gone up by 75% in three months and even middle-class people find it difficult to make ends meet. However, skyrocketing price of fuel, which has gone up over $50 per barrel in less than 18 months, has had an impact on developed countries.

Food prices are soaring in the US while the British Power Co. announced measures to alleviate consumers who spend over 1/10 of their income on fuel. In parallel, many countries have imposed restrictions to food exports to prevent domestic food shortages.

EU Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelson called on the World Trade Organization to intervene to stop the price race. He has warned food producers to avoid a "spiral of protectionism" in the face of soaring prices. "Export taxes, quotas or bans do not make economic or development sense" he said. Mr. Mandelson underlined the urgent need to increase aid to developing countries so they can deal with food shortage adding that the best way to respond to rising prices in staple foods was with trade deals. At the same time, Venezuela President, Hugo Chavez speaks of slaughtering of poor people, attributing responsibility to capitalist system of government. Focus has also been placed on biofuels with Cubas vice-president characteristically stating " Developed countries want to feed rich people cars with food. This is the non sense world we live in nowadays". The World Nutrition Program has urged the mobilization of the international community against the "silent tsunami" as it described soaring food prices which threatens to kill tens of million of people from famine.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Cost of Easter Exodus up

23 Apr 2008 18:22:00

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ÍÅÔ

Following soaring rises in new oil contracts and before receiving new supplies, many gas station owners in Greece have rushed to rise retail fuel price thus bringing the cost of Easter exodus by 10% to 20% higher compared to last years. Authorities are carrying out inspections to prevent profiteering and advise consumers to do market research prior to filling up fuel tanks. In Attika unleaded petrol sells up to 1.30 euros per litter, which means that one needs some 8.5 euros more in average for fuel tank fill up

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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