Yudhoyono Concerned About Fuel Subsidy Burden

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Concerned about the fuel subsidy burden, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called for the acceleration of the development of the 'green car' here on Wednesday.

"Expedite what can be done in the next two years," he said before leading a limited cabinet meeting on green car development at his office here on Wednesday.

President Yudhoyono asked for efforts being made to develop 'green car' to be accelerated as subsidized gasoline consumption has continued to increase.

He added that the increasing consumption of subsidized gasoline has burdened the national budget rendering the subsidy ineffective.

He also said that it is expected that the 'green car' will help reduce demand for gasoline so that the funds used for the oil subsidy could be utilised for helping the poor effectively.

He pointed out that green cars could also help reduce air pollution, especially levels of carbon dioxide gas.(IGT/T007)