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Public expert council to monitor auto fuel prices in Primorye

In the past several months people in the region were worried over a considerable increase in the prices of diesel fuel and petrol of all grades

VLADIVOSTOK, December 24 (Itar-Tass) — A public expert council is to be established in the Primorsky (maritime) Territory (PT) to gather information and monitor the prices of automobile oil in the PT in conjunction with the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) department for the PT.

A decision to this effect was made here on Monday at a meeting between PT Vice-Governor Alexander Rolik and represntatives of the public organizations of the region.

In the past several months people in the region were worried over a considerable increase in the prices of diesel fuel and petrol of all grades. The prices rose by 2-5 roubles per litre in the August-December period.

Rolik pointed out the importance of the decision taken. "It is essential to incorporate members of the general public at FAS so that residents in the Territory could understand what is going on and estimate the work being done by all sides. People must have an opportunity to tackle matters jointly with authorities," the Vice-Governor emphasized.

Eight public expert councils have been already set up in Primorye. They will monitor the quality of services in the housing/utilities sector, the development of small and medium-sized businesses, healthcare matters, the attraction of investments, the provision of quality housing, the development of physical culture and mass sports, the modernization of education, and social support for the population.

Each council has 12 members, three of whom are appointed by the governor. Nine members were chosen as a result of preferential voting. Candidacies could be suggested by all people of Primorye, political parties and public organizations.

Another nine public expert councils will be formed in 2013.

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