The National Infrastructures Minister also attacked the Treasury over emergency power production plans.
Minister of National Infrastructures Benjamin Ben-Eliezer made a scathing attack today on the handling of the recent privatization of Israel's oil refineries. "The economy received a stark reminder of what went wrong just a few weeks ago, with the jump in refining prices. These proved the claim that splitting up and privatizing the oil refineries is a mistake that the public at large will pay for," he said. Ben-Eliezer added that his ministry may recommend the introduction of mechanisms to stop the refineries putting up prices even further.
Ben Eliezer also criticized the Ministry of Finance over its handling of the contingency plan for power production which, he claims, ignores the expected shortage in 2009-2010. The Ministry of Finance opposes the publication of a new tender for the construction of a privately-owned power plant.
Commenting on the reform in Israel Electric Corporation (IEC), Ben Eliezer reiterated that there would be no reform without agreement with the IEC workers committee. The proposal recently submitted by the commitee could, he said, form the basis for negotiations. He added that, following his meeting with the Minister of Finance and Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel), the sides would begin a marathon negotiating session lasting several months.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on August 29, 2007
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