Economics

Bolsonaro Seeks Energy Tax Cuts as Inflation Hits Popularity

  • President calls on governors, lawmakers to discuss fuel prices
  • His popularity has dropped as Brazilians lose purchasing power
Jair BolsonaroPhotographer: Andressa Anholete/Bloomberg
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President Jair Bolsonaro is putting pressure on Brazil’s state governors and lawmakers to reduce taxes on diesel and cooking gas in a bid to rein in rising energy prices that are hurting his popularity.

“There is no reason for cooking gas to cost 50 reais ($9.21) at the refinery and then be sold to consumers for 130 reais,” he said on Wednesday in an event in Brazil’s northern state of Roraima.