On unleaded gas

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