[WORD_ON_THE_WEB] 'Do everything to cut the charges'

The government announced its plan to minimize the increase in central or local public utility charges in the second half in order to stabilize the livelihoods of the common people.

The government announced its plan to minimize the increase in central or local public utility charges in the second half in order to stabilize the livelihoods of the common people.

“We will keep public utility charges related to railroads, postage, household water, sewage and so on as stable as possible with the ultimate goal of freezing the charges.

Also, we will do anything to minimize the size of an increase in electricity and gas charges,” said Choo Kyung-ho, deputy prime minister and finance minister, at an emergency meeting on macroeconomic and financial stability on Sunday.

Increasing public utility charges is commonly seen as inevitable due to global inflation and other reasons. However, the government decided to focus on lightening the burden of its people.

“Price movements and trends of supply and demand in public services will be monitored on a daily basis under the direction of each bureau. If there are any signs of instability, we will immediately respond to that,” the deputy prime minister added. The same day, the administration announced that it will increase fuel tax cuts from the current 30 percent to 37 percent, while increasing the income tax deduction from the existing 40 percent to 80 percent.

#not_minimizing_but_just_reassuring “It would be hard to minimize an increase in electricity charges. Increase slightly, not rapidly.” “They are trying to settle the public sentiment with the deceptive word minimizing.”

#harsh_summer_for_the_vulnerable “The bottom line is electricity and gas charges will go up, making our lives tougher. Do everything to cut the charges.” “Summer will start soon, and we’ll have to use a lot of electricity. They should hold down the prices, considering the vulnerable who cannot afford the bills. They mentioned the word 'minimizing' but we need to see their official announcements.”

#avoiding_eating_out “Life is getting harder as prices are going up.” “The public is going through hardships due to higher prices. It will be difficult to dine out even once a month.” “The administration is supposed to solve financial difficulties of the people. Government officials are only focusing on policies to cut taxes for the rich and chaebol, not paying attention to the people’s economic difficulties.”

BY LEE SI-YEOUNG, HAN HYE-RIM [han.hyerim1@joongang.co.kr]