The economist Kesner Pharel•©️photo : DevHaiti
Port-au-Prince, April 1, 2026.- Speaker this day on Radio Télévision Magik 9, the economist Kesner Pharel has strongly criticized the increase in oil prices, warning about its immediate impacts on the cost of living, inflation and the increased weakening of the Haitian economy.
In his speech, Kesner Pharel described the rise in fuel prices as a decision « extremely sensitive « , stressing that it intervenes in an economic context already marked by strong instability. According to him, any increase in oil products automatically has a domino effect on the economy as a whole, particularly on transport, basic necessities and services.
The economist warns against worsening inflation, explaining that fuel is a strategic input in almost all sectors of activity. Thus, this increase may further erode the purchasing power of already severely tested households and increase social insecurity.
Kesner Pharel also emphasises the lack of accompanying measures to mitigate the effects of this decision on the most vulnerable strata. It calls on the authorities to adopt more coherent public policies capable of supporting domestic production and limiting excessive dependence on imports.
Lastly, he pointed out that without a comprehensive economic vision and structural reforms, such a decision could further increase inequality and fuel social tensions in the country.
W.A.
