Dominating this week's headlines: no change in gasoline or diesel prices. Additionally, employers face a December deadline to resolve back pay from recent salary revisions, while authorities report a significant drug seizure involving cannabis from La Réunion.
Fuel prices stay put
A setback for drivers. Despite widespread anticipation of a price reduction, the Petroleum Pricing Committee decided to leave fuel costs unchanged. Gasoline remains at Rs 66.20 per liter, with diesel fixed at Rs 63.95. The State Trading Corporation, in a formal announcement, attributed the decision to global market fluctuations in Mogas and Gas Oil. Officials clarified that any adjustment would be contingent on trends from the past three months and projections for the next quarter. This has ignited debate, with unions contending that a price cut was justified given the substantial drop in international fuel prices.
Salary revisions: Back pay deadline approaches
The new wage framework, recently endorsed by the Council of Ministers, will come into effect at the end of September. Triggered by the rise in the minimum wage to Rs 16,500, this revision will see employees earning between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 receiving an additional Rs 2,925, retroactive to July 1st. Employers are required to settle any back pay for July and August by the December deadline, in accordance with the latest regulations.
Mpox vaccination: Africa to receive 500,000 doses
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Bavarian Nordic have signed a deal to supply 500,000 doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine to Africa in 2024, following its World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. UNICEF, acting as Gavi's partner, will oversee distribution logistics. Concurrently, the Global Fund has pledged $9.5 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, to bolster emergency response efforts. By late August, the DRC had reported nearly 22,000 cases and over 700 deaths. The mpox virus has also spread to 14 other African countries, including Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, and the Central African Republic, according to Africa CDC.
Major cannabis seizure: Four arrested
In a major operation, the Force Crime Intelligence Unit confiscated 225 kilograms of cannabis in the high seas near the western coast. The drug haul, estimated to be worth Rs 333.7 million, has led to the arrest of four individuals. Three of the suspects were aboard the boat transporting the drugs, while a fourth is accused of facilitating the handoff of the 222.5 kilograms of cannabis. Authorities are still hunting a fifth suspect. The cannabis is believed to have originated from La Réunion.
