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I even lowered the fuel tax, value-added tax, and tariff, but “it has no effect”

◀ anchor ▶

Starting today, the fuel tax has been reduced to the legal maximum.

Can you feel it? Although the government is mobilizing measures such as lowering fuel taxes, tariffs, and VAT, it does not seem to have much effect as prices are rising so steeply.

Correspondent Lee Deok-young.

◀ Report ▶

A thrifty gas station in Seoul.

As the fuel tax cut from 30% was expanded to 37% from today, the price immediately fell.

Gasoline is 2,057 won, down 88 won from yesterday, and diesel at 2,111 won, down 53 won.

The fuel tax is now down to the maximum set by the law, but it’s still expensive.

[권세한]

“From today? From today, I don’t think there is any difference yet.”

Gas stations directly operated by refiners and thrifty gas stations immediately dropped their prices today, but general gas stations, which account for 80% of the total, are delayed.

So, on the national average, gasoline was reduced by 16 won and diesel by 9 won.

The diesel oil price variable subsidy for commercial vehicles has also increased by 25 won per liter from today.

I also can’t feel it.

[김병수/택배기사]

“Initially, it’s so high right now, I can’t even feel the benefits even if it’s a discount.”

It’s not just fuel tax cuts.

The government also temporarily exempted the 10% value-added tax on simple processed foods until next year.

The subject is kimchi, red pepper paste, and salted fish in bottles or cans.

Although there are places where the reflection is delayed, large marts immediately lowered the price from today.

However, plastic packaging kimchi, which accounts for 70% of kimchi, is not subject to VAT.

This doesn’t seem to have much effect either.

[강금자]

“It doesn’t help life if it’s 10%. You have to do more. It doesn’t even show up. It’s too hard.”

Starting today, electricity and gas rates have also risen.

The government has mobilized measures such as fuel tax, VAT and tariff cuts, but it seems powerless in the face of steep inflation.

This is Lee Deok-young from MBC News.

Video coverage: Seo Hyun-kwon Lee Sang-yong / Video editing: Song Ji-won

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