On unleaded gas

I refer to the recent debate on the cost-benefit of introducing unleaded gasoline to Indonesia to help reduce pollution. A coincidence here. As the World Bank representative defends the introduction of unleaded gasoline as cost-effective (The Jakarta Post, June 28, 1996) the World Bank recommends that Indonesia increase its fuel prices (Indonesia Fax Bulletin, May 27, 1996).

The World Bank allegedly wants an increase in fuel prices to help balance the budget. Given the World Bank's insistence on unleaded gasoline, its recommendation for high fuel prices sounds more like financing the conversion to unleaded gas.

OSVALDO COELHO

Bandung, West Java