The government says fares on public transport will not rise to shield
households from the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict.

Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) made the announcement today, saying the
Ministry of Transportation has been directed to hold fares steady on the High
Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways, MRT, buses, and intercity coaches.

Domestic airline ticket prices have also been put on hold following
government discussions.

On energy, Cheng said crude oil stockpiles are secure through June 20th, and
natural gas supplies for the coming months are largely in place.

Gasoline and diesel prices are being kept down through a price-stabilization
mechanism that absorbs at least 60 percent of any increase, keeping Taiwan's
pump prices lower than those in neighboring countries.

Residential natural gas prices are frozen for April, while industrial users
will see a five-percent increase.

While bottled gas prices are unchanged for both March and April.

(PB)