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Tariff of 30% raises the costs of electric induction cookers
Posted On 03 Apr 2014
Electric cookers, promoted by the Government since August of last year to replace gas cookers, which demand an imported and subsidized fuel, have a 30% duty, according to the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (NES) website.The subsidized represented to the country $ 522 million last year, according to the Central Bank.The Government expects to replace more than three million gas cookers with induction cookers until 2016, when it is expected that the new power plants that will reduce the cost of electricity begin to work.
According to Nelson Baldeón, Decorkasa Manager, marketer of American appliances, a 30% tariff increases the cost of the product which is between $ 550 ad $2 500, depending on the number of burners. According to the Government, local manufacturers will offer these kitchens at $150.
For the Economic Analyst, Walter Spurrier, it is not viable the replacement of kitchens until the hydroelectric Coca-Codo Sinclair operates, otherwise, the increase in energy demand will have to be covered with thermoelectric power plants that run on fuels such as diesel and fuel oil.
He also indicated that a series of changes in the distribution networks and the internal connections of the homes must be done, by which he does not sight the new kitchens to inmediately enter to the market.
Finally, Spurrier believes that gas should remain subsidized for rural areas that do not have electric energy. Otherwise, those communities will return to firewood cooking.
