NationStates Jolt Archive

From La Repubblica Oggia

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2005/07/images/0707_03_gaspump.jpg
Average fuel prices across Pacitalia rose to 23,4f
Friday afternoon, the highest ever, as the threat of
a premature end to Constantino Sorantanali's prime
ministership sparked a jump for crude oil's per-barrel
price in end-of-week trading at the Mandragora
PAX440 Resources and Commodities Exchange.

Fuel at highest-ever price per litre on rumour of early end to PM's term
No relief in short-term sight, say experts; provincial governments consider scaling back fuel tax


By Manti Soratina-Murana, Timiocato

The average price of one litre of standard unleaded motor vehicle fuel rose almost two fouta Friday across the country as rumours spread like wildfire in Timiocato that a cabinet mutiny would soon occur, forcing Constantino Sorantanali out of the prime minister's chair after just three months in office.

The cabinet is reportedly split over the way Sorantanali's administration has "failed" in foreign diplomacy, especially with Sarzonia, Space Union and the Second Empire of the Golden Throne. The old Rat Pack (cabinet members that served in other positions under former prime minister Dr Timotaio Ell) is highly dissatisfied. The Rat Pack makes up about 60 percent of the current administration, meaning that they could easily garner enough support, if a mutiny were to occur, to oust the prime minister prematurely.

Under the constitution, a public referendum with 60 percent support, plus 90 percent support of cabinet, is required if the prime minister is to be ejected, supplemented by a leadership convention for the party in question and a federal byelection for prime minister. With Sorantanali's popularity threatening to go below 10 percent (the first of any PM in history), this scenario could be very likely, and very achievable, within the next few weeks. In comparison, Dr Ell had an average popularity rating in the high sixties, and former prime minister Francesco Santo Ragazzo averaged in the low sixties.

The stability of standard fuel cost was interrupted Friday in regular trading on Mandragora's new PAX440 Resources and Commodities Exchange, an amalgamation of the National Resource Exchange and the PAX800's smaller previous incarnation. The per-barrel price of crude petroleum rose to NS$41,19, setting a new record and combined with the emergent domestic political threat sent the average price of a litre of vehicle fuel to 23,4f, up nearly two fouta from the previous day. That cost works out to approximately NS$1.91 per US gallon of the same product.

Consumers, however, were not complaining despite their initial shock at the huge spike in prices.

"I already pay that because I have to fill my tank with premium gasoline," Marco Ambarescu, 27, said in Timiocato Friday afternoon at an Acis pump. "So a few fouta difference is not that much of a shock, actually. I will consider changing to a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle but for now I make enough that I do not have to worry about big price jumps, unless we see 40 fouta per litre, God forbid."

To compare, one litre of standard MVF cost 20,7 fouta two weeks ago, and 19,8 one year ago today. Analysts at the PAX440 say new domestic political turmoil combined with inflation and conflict abroad will only feed a slow but steady increase in crude petroleum, and in turn fuel, prices.

"It will be very interesting, with the minimal chance there is anyway, to see a decrease in these prices in the short term," Giuliana Andreotti, a senior commodities analyst with CBdS Financial Group, said from Mandragora Friday. "If any decrease will be experienced it will not be until the end of summer when demand is lower. The peaks are always during seasonal extremes, so regardless of influence from political instability, the current climate, and general supply and demand, will still affect prices."

Provincial governments, meanwhile, are stepping up to the plate to try and alleviate pressure on commercial fuel consumers. Sambuca and Amalfia's respective administrations have been discussing for a few weeks fuel surcharge cuts on standard motor vehicle fuel for commercial users, like multiple-axle trucks, couriers and other shipping companies. The scale-back would amount to about 3,5 to 4 percent per litre, according to provincial sources.

The Ligurian, Beracantan and Pomentanan governments are discussing the same gas-tax cut for regular consumers with an average figure of 10% being tossed around. That would take about Ð 2,50 off a 40 litre purchase at current prices, fluctuations notwithstanding. Analysts say a slash on fuel taxes could possibly help drive prices down as consumer confidence and willingness to purchase fuel increases.

The Eastern Mondoth Trust is willing to help assuage Pacitalian gasoline prices with emergency shipments of refined gasoline at cut rates. Our tankers can be at your nation within the week.

Julianus Road Bulletin

Sarzo shoots down 'no confidence' rumour

by Whit Campbell
Staff Writer

WOODSTOCK, 5 May 2006 -- During his weekly news conference yesterday, President Mike Sarzo angrily denied a rumour that his administration would issue a no confidence vote in Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali, saying "we've never discussed such a thing." The President's outburst interrupted an otherwise routine briefing in which Sarzo discussed the country's economic recovery from its worst economic crisis in history.

Speculation about a possible no confidence vote began in the aftermath of several deals with the Khailfah al Musilmeen and other nations that pulled Sarzonia's economy out of the Panic of 2006. Relations between Sarzonia and Pacitalia, once among the closest bilateral relationships in the world, have declined to a point where the Incorporated Military Industries have informally banned Pacitalian military purchases.

"Let me make it perfectly clear, a no-confidence vote regarding Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali is not on the table," Sarzo said. "That has not been a topic of discussion in Cabinet meetings, in departmental meetings, or in private conversation. It is not something that we are in the habit of doing with legitimately elected national governments. We wish to keep all of our options open as they relate to Paci-Sarzonian relations, but that is not an option that has been on the table."

However, Sarzo stopped short of saying that his government would never issue a vote of no confidence. He also declined comment on rising petrol prices in Pacitalia.

"It is not my government's interest or concern how the Pacitalian government chooses to deal with the price of petrol," Sarzo said. "I have enough on my plate dealing with prices at Sarzonian pumps. I have nothing to do with Pacitalia's prices."

The President announced that a four percent national sales tax was "close to dead" in Parliament, saying that the proposal to increase taxes on the Sarzonian people whilst the economy is still struggling to climb out of its morass was not feasible.

"The Sarzonian people have been through enough economically," Sarzo said. "We always look for ways to generate revenue without provoking an undue burden on our hardworking families, but as of right now, such a generalised sales tax would not be workable." Sarzo said he would sign a competing Senate measure to charge a four percent national sales tax on big-ticket items and increase the so-called "sin tax" by another seven percent.

"Increasing taxes on luxury items and on items under the sin tax provision is a far more palatable solution to generating additional revenue," Sarzo said. "Such a tax would not unduly burden the working- and middle-class families who are struggling to make ends meet. That is what our government needs to shoot for."

Sarzo ended the news conference without answering further questions about Sarzonian-Pacitalian relations.

LAVREATVS DOOMANVS

Imperial Standard Oil Makes Offer to Pacitalians

V.V.MMVI--- In a move of unprecedented compasion and generosity, DoomCorp's petroleum producing branch, Imperial Standard Fuel, offered an unprecedented low price for a barrel of gasoline to the Pacitalians. ISF has made an offer of their high-quality petroleum for a mere NS$15 per barrel. This move comes in response to Pacitalia's growing fuel crisis, and serves to demonstrate to the world that the people of Doomingsland are not the cruel barbarians communist propaganda makes them out to be- rather, they are kind samaritans, seeking to ease the pains of their fellow man. Just what will the Sarzonian response to this latest move be? We may only speculate, but experts predict they will attempt to derail the deal in an attempt to create further friction between the Empire and the Woodstock Pact.

From Seaburg Independent

Lord Rosecrans, 'Triumvirate' guarded over the future

Lord Rosecrans, in the run up to his first official state visit to Pacitalia next week, spent Friday in meetings with business leaders to discuss the future of the electronic and energy industries in the Grand Duchy. In a quick exchange with reporters before the meetings, the Domestic Affairs Minister Princess Anne said that "These meetings have nothing to do with energy prices in Pacitalia. This was scheduled months ago."

Finance Minister Luis Santiago, however, fanned the flames of speculations when he said on a morning talk show that "It is important that we work with industry leaders and local government to head off any sort of price spike as we are now seeing in Pacitalia." In the same interview he said, "history shows us that uncontrolled price spikes in major sectors can lead to economic slowdowns."

The Minister's remarks lead to a light selling off of Hamptonian tracking stocks of the Pacitalian petroleum corporation Acis (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Acis). The price of light sweet crude on the Seaburg Mercantile Exchange (SME) rose 0.2% to K20.55 on heavy trading.

The Foreign Minister, Dr. Wolfgang Hayek, was much more guarded about his comments over the current economic and political comment in Pacitalia.

"It is not, nor has it ever been, the policy of the Foreign Ministry to comment upon the internal affairs of our allies," Dr. Hayek said in his end of the week press briefing, "let alone the nation that is hosting the Lord Protector next week."

The Foreign Minister, who is scheduled to accompany Lord Rosecrans on the state visit, said that the Federal Government had full confidence in the Democratic Capitalist Republic to "confront and tackle" any potential problem that may present itself.

Privately the Foreign Minister and Lord Protector are aware that Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali may try to take advantage of Lord Rosecrans' state visit as a way to boost his own sinking approval ratings. The latest published polls put the Lord Protector's approval ratings in Pacitalia at 63%, nearly six times that of the Prime Minister.

The Lord Protector and his 'Triumvirate' may have little time to worry about any possible political upheaval in Pacitalia. Several senior sources within the Great Althing have told the Seaburg Independent and other news outlets that the legislative assembly will have a draft of the new constitution ready for ratification "within a few days." Once the constitution has been released it is expected that new Federal elections will be held within one month.

Free Imperia News
McMan Fueling Incorporated proposes deal with Pacitalia, government involvement suspected...

Inn, Jagada - Recently gasoline prices in Pacitalia have, somehow, become a concern in Jagada. Despite no trade relations between Pacitalia and Jagada--not even so much as diplomatic communication--this issue has become a top debate in the Monotheistic Republic. While very few, if any, suspect that the price spikes in Pacitalia may been a prologue to international gas spikes which may lead to a gas crisis in Jagada--even though gas prices in Jagada now hover around a icon fifty (1.50 icons), mainly due that Neo-Jagada has a plentiful supply of oil--which Old Jagada did not. The fact of the matter is in Jagada, that a thirty percent poverty rate means that even a small gas spike could lead to gas surplus in Jagada, due that many citizens could not pay.

Surprisingly, McMan Fueling Incorporated has made an offer to sell Pacitalia an unknown amount of barrels at simply fifteen icons a barrel--not wanting to drop below the DoomCorp price for unknown reasons. This has yet to be met with any Pacitalian government reply--though this has raised many eyebrows in Jagada. McMan Fueling Incorporated as never been known for its kind policies towards it own people, much less foreigners. Though some suspect that Highest Minister Riyabuo and her administration may have some involvement in this ordeal. Some speculate that she pressured McMan Fueling Incorporated to sell the oil as a low price in an effort to increase the possibilities of fullfilling one of her election promises and goals--establishing ties with peaceful nations, which Pacitalia, in Jagite eyes, clearly is.

Though when questioned, after leaving her Martial Arts school in New Christendom, the Highest Minister only had this to say: "There is absolutely no connection between McMan Fueling Incorporated and myself and/or my administration. All I can say is that McMan has a heart..."

Cruon Commercial House-- RFS
Registered Family Syndicate


Pacitalia,
As a major exporter of alternative energy, we may have several solutions to your problems for sale. The current market price of kelp ethanol in our country is $40.00 per barrel. We can offer to cut your gasoline with 10% ethanol at the pump this will run in regular automobiles. It will help alleviate a small part of your problem. In addition we can open E85 pumps at some of your gas stations. Many automobiles have the capacity to be flexible fuel vehicles. This is a list of flexible fuel vehicle automobies. http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/flexfuelvehicles.php . It would require that you retool some of your gas stations on a test basis.
We also can export biodiesel to you at a cost of $50.00 per barrel. Diesel engines can run on either biodiesel or regular diesel. A significant way to reduce the cost of biodiesel and a stop gap measure to insure your economy runs properly is to introduce waste grease reclaimation. We will offer to buy waste grease in quantity from the major restaurant chains in your country and convert it into biodiesel. Most restaurant chains have to people to remove their waste grease, we would be purchasing the grease at a nominal fee of $1.00 per gallon, converting the grease into biodiesel and selling it for $2.25 per gallon.
Our major automotive house, Dynamic Motors PPC-- Public Private Consortium, sells plug in hybrid electric vehicles. These are slightly more expensive than regular cars, but they extend the range of a car up to 100 MPG http://www.calcars.org/priusplus.html . We have been producing these for export for some time now.
We also have a number of alternative energy solutions OTEC, wind, wave energy, biorefineries, solar glass, solar concentrators, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, and other sources of energy.
If you wish to contact us about energy solutions, please let us know.

Felix Cruonis,

Minister of Trade.

From Space Union's #1 Newsgroup, Ayadi Accords

Oil Prices Climb in Space Union as Political Instability Occurs in Pacitalia

Ayadi, Space Union - Oil prices climbed for the first time in over four months as news came across the border of a spike in crude oil in Pacitalia. Analyst forsee political instability in Pacitalia as rumors circulate of a possible mutiny in the highest office in the nation, Prime Minister, against Constantino Sorantanali.

Oil prices closed at a record high of $30 per barrel of crude oil in the afternoon after news came of the increase of oil prices in Space Union's southern neighbor. Pacitalia exports 15% of Space Union's domestic needs to the nation. UMCI, the largest refiner of oil in the nation, announced that the cost of a gallon of unleaded refined oil would be $1.03 across the nation. This was compared to the price a week ago of $0.95 per gallon of unleaded oil.

The Singh Administration had this to offer in a public conference early in the morning today, "We understand the increase of oil has taken some of Space Union in surprise but we are working with top executives of oil companies to find a short-term solution.".

But most analyst do not expect a long-term solution until the political unrest surrounding the Prime Minister ends. With ongoing rumors of a possible cabinent mutiny in the highest ranking office abound, the government has cautioned citizens in Pacitalia to stay "safe" with the possibility of violence as an option in the capitalist nation. No further restrictions have been placed.

This comes in the wake of recent souring of relations between the two allies, Space Union and Pacitalia, caused mainly by Constantino Sorantanali. Most of Pacitalians are considering him a political "thorn" in the nation's peaceful foreign policy. A recent study found that Pacitalia has worsened relationships with almost all of its key allies since the inaugaration of Constantino Sorantanali into the office of Prime Minister. Since then his approval rating has plummeted below 10% while Space Unionist stay steady at an approval rating of 5% for the incumbant PM.

With oil prices increasing and a solution likely nowhere near sight, the economy has continued at a unprecendant speed of switching to alternative energy fuels, like ethanol and biodiesal, both of which are created in large quantities in Space Union. Earlier in the year, the Singh Administration approved of a $2.3 trillion budget for further investment and transition of the economy from oil to the reusable energy source.

Ethanol and biodiesal, unlike oil and diesal, are made from plants and living things so they are reusuable in the sense that more can be grown and the supply is unlimited thanks to the large abundance of corn and soybean crops in the Mideast region of Space Union.

Currently most gasoline has a blend of 30% ethanol and 70% gasoline, with it varying based on where you are (some areas have it at over 90% while others have it at less than 5%). Biodiesal and diesal are blended in similar fashion as ethanol and oil across the nation. Current prices of ethanol and biodiesal blends are slightly cheaper than gasoline and diesal, at $28 per barrel and $34 per barrel, respectively.

Ninjasaif has dug for oil in the Antartic and found enough feul to last his region 100 years.
His prices lower and his region is fast devloping.:D

Julianus Road Bulletin

Sarzo calls for conservation as prices rise

by Whit Campbell
Staff Writer

WOODSTOCK, 5 May 2006 -- Even with trade between Sarzonia and Pacitalia at record lows, the political instability in Pacitalia and growing concerns worldwide surrounding increasing gas prices in that nation have had a ripple effect on prices at the pump throughout Sarzonia. One litre of regular unleaded gasoline hit a pre-recession record average of $5.63.

"It's ridiculous," said Ken Ridgeway, an analyst with accountancy firm Spencer Brothers in Woodstock. "I just bought a hybrid car and I spent $35 putting gas in that thing. Our government keeps talking about conserving and taking public transport, but that's not addressing our needs. What we need is a concerted effort to reduce the price of petrol."

The Sarzo Administration has poured $1.5 billion into its latest efforts to encourage widespread use of public transit and has earmarked another $25 billion for incentive programmes to encourage improvements in transit networks nationwide. Despite this, the President called on the nation's drivers to conserve fuel even more.

"As the price of oil increases ever sharply, it is our responsibility as citizens to make an effort to save fuel," Sarzo said. "The Incorporated Sarzonian Government continues its efforts toward finding alternative means of fuel and we ask each family to make decisions based on what is best for their pocketbooks and their ways of life."

Sarzo declined to comment on the latest polls that put Pacitalian prime minister Constantino Sorantanali's popularity throughout Sarzonia at six percent. Even during the tensions between Sarzonia and Pacitalia during former prime minister Timotaio Ell's administration, the prime minister's popularity rating never dipped below 47 percent until Sorantanali's term.

"It's a manifestation of all the negativity that has come from that administration," said Lynn Barkley, an analyst with Political Situation, a non-partisan think tank in Woodstock. "Part of the problem with Sorantanali's administration is their propensity to deny any blame in the precipitous decline in Paci-Sarzonian relations, but another part of it was Sorantanali's propensity to misrepresent Sarzo's and other government officials's statements as being directed toward the whole of the country as opposed to being strictly criticisms of the government."

Additionally, strident denials of rumoured demands that Sarzonia tie the dollar with the Hamptonian kroner and the Pacitalian douro before receiving even one cent of aid provided more grease for the skids, she said. The rumours were first reported when the Azazian delegate to the Seaburg Conference reported them to an administration official, but then the Isselmerian-Nielander representative also reported them. Sarzo declined to comment on the fallout from that situation, saying "everything's already been said," but Barkley said the denials cast doubt on the potential for repair of Paci-Sarzonian relations.

"There seems to be little chance of any normalisation of relations between the two countries unless there's a sea change in Pacitalia's approach to the rumoured demands," Barkley said. "It seems to be pretty well-founded that [the Pacitalian delegate] did indeed make those demands. But so far, he's seemingly made no effort to come clean and Pacitalia's government has seemingly made no effort to redress those grievances."

Further offers from Minister of Trade, Felix Cruonis.
We have two unique methods of public transportation. One is a heavy lift hovertrain based on the French Aerotrain-- which reached test speeds of 432 KPH, but was never fully developed. This train can go up to speeds of 400 KPH. It needs guiderails but no track. Because it is not attached to a track, there is less need for maintenance. It includes a system for loading and unloading passenger cars as well as regular transportation. This is to cut down on traffic congestion.
We also have solar powered overhead rolling walkways. These walkways are surrounded by a clear solar glass similar to the http://www.xsunx.com system. It consists of a heavy clear biopolymer surrounding a clear solar film. This helps power the walkways at manageable speeds of 6-10 MPH. It is good for short trips and reduces congestion in crowded areas. There are numerous ramps from the walkways to street levels as well as elevator access. Most of our buildings our self powered with the solar glass glass technology, and small wind turbines built into the facades.
One of the most important forms of transportation are hybrid ethanol motorcycles which we use in abundance. There are strict limitations on the use of larger cars. Light motor transport is very inexpensive and with plug in hybridization, they can get close to 300 MPG. We have built motorcycle lanes into our traffic patterns. Motorbikes can be bought for much cheaper than cars-- about $5000 for a new plug in hybrid ethanol motorbike. This would include twin saddle basket for storage of groceries.
We hope you show interest in our systems.

Best regards,

Felix Cruonis, Minister of Trade

From the Les Échos (English Edition)

Increasing Global Fuel Prices have Little Effect upon Amestrian Economy
"Life is good," quips Minister of Energy

By Frederic Quesnay, Central

As increasing fuel prices cause visible political unease in such economic giants as Pacitalia, Sarzonia, Hamptonshire and Space Union, Amestrian Energy Officials and Social Engineers have visibly begun gloating. “The recent increase in international fuel prices does not warrant any concern,” commented Minister of Energy Fernand Guellec, “due to our States considerable investment in ethanol, green energy, public transport, and nuclear power.” Consumers and business leaders, the Minister assured, have no need to worry about any sudden price spikes or tax increases. “Cost projections fall well within the Ministry’s rainy day fund.”

Minister Guellec’s optimism was echoed by Minister of Transportation Flora Tristan. “What minor price increases have occurred in the commercial transportation sector have been limited to items shipped and sold in bulk, the increased costs amounting to no more then a few cents, economic pocket change.” As for the public transport budget the Minister stated that “correctional measures to prevent Ministerial cost over runs will not have to be taken until later next year at the earliest.” She then preceded to mock Sarzonia and Pacitalia for their economic short sightedness. “Both governments put off investment in public transport and alternative fuels during periods of cheep energy and have shown typical American sluggishness in adjusting to the new realities of an increasingly crowded and unstable planet, recent restructuring has been too little too late.” According to the Minister this lack of preparation is the result of “the perverse neoliberal myth of limitless growth that seems to have infected so many nations, the idea that an innovative ultra efficient free market will solve all societies’ problems if one just steps out of its way… A little stagnation will do both countries some good.” The famously outspoken Ms. Tristan then preceded to go into a massive rant against the automobile, calling the car culture “the root of most of the worlds waste” and pointed out that nations that have restricted or banned the automobile have lower accident and suicide rates.


From Le Monde diplomatique (English Edition)

Minister of Foreign Affairs expresses support and confidence in Pacitalian PM

By Nathalie Schlumberger, Central

The Honorable Dominique de Villepin, upon being questioned at a press conference concerning Amestria’s relationship with Pacitalia, remarked that he had full confidence in Prime Minister Sorantanali. “Amestria has enjoyed improved relations with Pacitalia under the Sorantanali government, and although our two governments do not see eye to eye on numerous economic and social issues, we have not let such debates poison the well.” The Foreign Minister went on to add that “It is rather unfair to fault Sorantanali with the break in relations with Sarzonia, true his government could have handled the aid issue better, but he should not be faulted for wanting value for his governments money, for not wanting to throw it all down a hole and then hope everything turns out all right. The Sarzonian government and its people in my opinion bare most of the blame for the decline in relations, as they reacted to their economic misfortune with a mixture jingoism and paranoia, treating every critique as a grave insult and acting as if the ills they were experiencing were the result of a foreign conspiracy rather then the inherent flaws within their own economic model.” His Honor further called remarks made by the Space Union government concerning the possibility of violence in Pacitalia “absurd” and “disingenuous,” pointing out the nation’s long history of peaceful political change. “The Pacitalian people are not blood thirsty maniacs ready to descend into mob violence at a moments notice and if there are disturbances the Pacitalian State’s police force is more then capable maintaining order. We are not talking about Allanea, Kahanistan, or some third world hell-hole, we are talking about Pacitalia.” De Villepin further commented that the Foreign Ministry would not discourage Amestrians from visiting Pacitalia because of “a mere political controversy,” calling the nation “one of the safest places on Earth.”

The Honorable Foreign Minister added in at the end of his remarks that no matter how things turned out he “look[ed] forward to working with Prime Minister Sorantanali or his successor to bring about further improvement in Amestria-Pacitalian relations.”

The Granton Times

Goverment Offers Aid to Pacitalia
Gas prices remain steady despite, war fears and international shorteges.

William Craig Staff Writer

May 6, 1336Granton
In a speech today Commerce Minister Sir Sebastin O'Neal offered to sell ethanol to Pacitalia today after prices of gasoline prices have been skyrocketing there due to politcal instability. The Minister was quoted as saying "We will do all we can to help our freiends in Pacitalia in whatever ways we can."

Dan Brinkmann of the Imperial Lion Ethanol Company has said "If the Pacitalians accept the aid this will generate profits for our company and other ethanol companies."

Energy Minister Nelson Dickenson, offered to sell excess solar energy to Pacitalia at a price to be determined later. When asked about fuel prices at home he was quoted as saying, " My advisors and I do not expect gasoline or any other energy prices to rise despite war fears or shorteges."

Minister of Welfare, Veteran's Affairs and Public Transportation Olivia del Marco said that she would send advisors "...if need be to Pacitalia to help establish their public transit networks."

Already stocks in several major Ethanol comapnies, including Imperial Lion have already risen.

From La Repubblica Oggia

http://gfx.filmweb.pl/p/93650/po.90926.jpg
Deputy Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs
Albinanda Serodini was simple in her response to foreign
aid offers and media coverage: "All we want is your
confidence in us, in our abilities."

Serodini clarifies Pacitalia is not "in an economic crisis"
Says fuel price rise is not an indication of dwindling oil stocks but expresses appreciation for generosity


By Intelio Fiore Serra, Timiocato

Pacitalia's Deputy Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs told a press conference Saturday afternoon she was "grateful for the generosity of foreign interests" but clarified Pacitalia was "nowhere near an energy crisis" and that the "inherent domestic political threat, which is just a rumour" was misleading both foreign governments and media.

"I would just like to clarify that there is no serious economic threat to Pacitalia at this time," Agus. Albinanda Serodini MPP said Saturday. "The rise in fuel prices is simply supply and demand, and that rumour. Nothing more, nothing less. I thank foreign interests for their support and their concern but all this government asks for is your confidence in Pacitalia's ability to handle domestic economic and political concerns."

She also responded to claims in Amestrian and Findanian media that Pacitalia has no public transportation network. "Timiocato has an excellent example of a well-funded and well-maintained public transport network. Subways, trains, buses, bicycle rentals and ferries run 24/7/365. In fact, I would argue Pacitalia has one of the best public and private transportation networks in the entire world."

Her comments are not without a fact base: Pacitalia maintains almost one million kilometres of highways, half that amount in high-speed MAGLEV rail track, over 150 inner-city subway systems and nearly 20,000 municipal and regional bus systems. Pacitalia is world-renowned for its advanced and up-to-date network grid, which has reduced traffic gridlock and incidents by 50% in 20 years.

She also mentioned Acis, which is one of the world's foremost researchers and producers of alternative fuels, in response to a comment by foreign media that Pacitalia was oblivious to other sources of energy. Acis is spearheading hydrogen fuel projects in Pacitalia and Moepoeia, amounting to future sales in the trillions of NS dollars and is credited with infusing the Moepoeian economy with nearly 100,000 direct jobs as a result of the three-year project.

The Granton Times

Minister del Marco Apologizes to Pacitalia
Sights stress and lack of reasearch

Nick Malone, Coresspondant
Granton May 8, 1336

Today in a press conference, Minister of Welfare, Veteran's Affairs, and Public Transportation Olivia del Marco apologized for her comments that suggested that Pacitalia had no public transportation system. She sights lack of reasearch by her ministry's part and stress on her part with the probability of a war agianst the Kraven Corporation becoming more likely. She was quoted as saying, "I did not intend for my remarks to be interpreted that way. I will accept the balme beacuase the fact that reasearch on the public transit systems in Pacitalia were all my fault and that I ahve been stressed in getting veteran's affairs ready for war. If I offend anybody in Pacitalia I am sorry."

[tag] for future post

From the (Isselmere-Nieland) Financial Journal

Soaring oil, rising fears
Stuart Morgan, Diplomatic Affairs — The rise in fuel costs in Pacitalia has sent shockwaves through the Bírsa yesterday. Pacitalia’s economy, long seen by investors as one of the most stable in the world, appears to finally be suffering the repercussions of the various crises into which the Sorantanali administration has guided it. Despite the denials of the Deputy Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs, Albinada Serodini, and in spite of the refusal of the Governor of the Union Bank to downgrade the ‘triple-A’ standing of Pacitalian government securities, the day’s trading witnessed a panicked run on the douro, leading some analysts to suggest Pacitalia is finally reaping what it had sowed.

The recriminations have not all been one way. It has led to some searching questions for the Prime Minister as well. Some quarters have accused Geoffrey Middleton of exacerbating differences between Sarzonia and Pacitalia during the recent reorganisation of Portland Iron Works and that both he and Sir George Fredericks were instrumental in Pacitalia’s departure from the Woodstock Pact, particularly after the government moved for the Organisation of Maritime Powers to censure Pacitalia.

Middleton has been quick to refute such assertions, citing a thirteen per cent increase in the price of petrol as well within the general course of market fluctuations. The ministers for Economic Affairs and of Finance followed suit, remarking on the resilience of the Pacitalian economy.

“It is the Opposition that seeks to broaden the lamentable breach that exists between the Democratic-Capitalist Republic and the United Kingdom,” Middleton declared during the day’s interpellation. “To sound the alarm at this stage, when we ourselves have just recovered from an economic calamity, is not only precipitous but abominable.” The present price of petrol in Pacitalia is still 12p lethse] less than in the United Kingdom, leading the Minister for Economic Affairs, Claudine Upton-Sykes, to charge Labour with trying to foment a mass emigration of Isselmere-Nielanders to Pacitalia, “to squander all of that cheap petrol.”

Labour was, however, unwilling to let the government rest. William Eavesham, shadow minister of Defence opined that if the present price rise continued, Pacitalia might have to dip into its strategic reserves, leading to Sorantanali’s fellow OMP members to prop up that nation with fuel shipments, spreading its economic woes to the United Kingdom’s currently wobbly markets. Eavesham argued that it was, “not Labour that tried to destabilise Pacitalia and impoverish its workers, but the Right Honourable Member and his colleages.”

It is hoped that these and other searching questions will soon be answered.

From La Repubblica Oggia

http://images.ibsys.com/2005/0323/4309687_320X240.jpg
The rise in fuel prices has been reversed thanks to two major
developments in recent days: one, a discovery of oil offshore but
inside Pacitalian waters with an estimated production capacity in
the billions of barrels, and two, an announcement by the Sorantanali
government that it is investing a further 340 million doura in alternative
fuel sources, including the increasingly-popular ethanol.

Flashes of Sorantanalian intelligence rise from the ashes
A man revered for his brilliant handling of the Sambucan government but despised for his mishandling of
foreign politics shows some smarts with a new energy funding platform

By Manti Soratina-Murana, Timiocato

Average fuel prices in Pacitalia dropped to lower-than-normal levels of 18,7 fouta per litre on the news that Acis has discovered and claimed a large suboceanic crude petroleum deposit with the potential to produce billions of extra barrels of "black gold" over the next 12 years. However, the Sorantanali administration was clear in its new energy policy.

The federal government today announced a Ð340mn boost to its comprehensive alternative fuels research funding platform, in place since 1998, in a move to reinforce Pacitalia's place as a leader in the search for a sustainable alternative energy source.

"This is not simply to remind the world that we are not solely dependent on crude petroleum," Fiorenza Neroglianta, Pacitalia's Agustinate of Industries and Resources told reporters Thursday morning. "This is a substantial reinforcement and reminder that we are committed to finding a solution to an encroaching issue. We are more than aware that oil is a non-renewable resource, we are committed to the cause of alternative fuels, and the world is joining us in searching for, and maximising the potential of, the world's energy saviour."

Fuel prices hit their lowest levels in 22 years on news of the Thursday petroleum discovery and funding boost. 18,7 fouta per litre is approximately 40.2 cents NS per litre, or per US gallon, about NS$1.52. Analysts admit they were counting on artificial factors and that there was no expectation by both the commodities and corporate sectors that any new discoveries of crude petroleum would occur in the short-term.

"The only way fuel prices can be naturally nudged up and down is by discovering more oil," CBdS Financial Group's Giuliana Andreotti said Thursday by phone interview. "And there were no indications that would happen, thus the analyst community was forced into considering only artificial methods, like political or economic influence."

She added "with a discovery like this there is no doubt prices will stay down, even decrease steadily until reaching a minimum set by the markets," which is good news for consumers unable to afford the switch to a hybrid or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (HFCV). 288 million Pacitalians drive either of those two types of energy-efficient vehicles but the less-off of the nearly two and a half billion that don't are breathing a sigh of relief at this news, at least for now.

The government says part of its funding boost will be spent on ways to make the crossover to an energy-efficient vehicle more practical and affordable for the average Pacitalian consumer.

"We understand that most people cannot just switch vehicles with a quick snap of the fingers," Neroglianta said at her ministry press conference Thursday, "so we are equally committed to making new fuel technologies practical."

OIL PRICE CLIMBING IN DECADENT DEMOCRATIC NATIONS!

"The inefficiency and inadequacy of the democracies of Sarzonia and Pacitalia have shown the ineffectiveness of their ways. Red Tide has always been, and continues to be, completely self-sufficient in oil, meanwhile, prices climb and traffic grows at Sarzonian and Pacitalian. These nations did not have the foresight to develop intricate public transportation networks like the superior of nations of Amestria(OOC NOTE: Dont think I forgot that you paid me ;)) and our very own nation."

The article went on with more propoganda... but the it was a lie. Red Tides ever-growing industrial-military complex required gross amounts of oil to refine into diesal fuel and gasoline for the military. Diesal fuel was also what allowed Red Tides numerous locomotives(which was the prime methoed fo transporting goods across moderate-long distances in the nation), without those, food could not be moved to the city and Tech-Com Corporation products could not be moved to the ports.

To exasperate matters, the annual Red Tidean military manuevers were coming up. These large scale wargames and live-firing excerises conducted on land, air, and sea required atrocious amounts of gasoline, diesal, and jet fuel to keep the equipment running. In preperation, the Red Tide goverment advised the Tech-Com Corporation to cut back on oil exports, saying that it would more then make up for any loss in their profit.

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World Service

Pressure on Pacitalian Petrol Eases with Discovery of New Reserves

Acis, a leading international petroleum corporation, announced the discovery of a vast oil field beneath the waters of Pacitalia leading to a cooling of what had been a rapid rise in crude oil prices in Pacitalian and a select few other markets. And while UK oil prices remained constant with positive news from Royal Petrol, which officially opened new production facilities in Sarnia earlier this week, the Philadelphia Exchange did witness the price of oil drop a few pence.

The recent volatility in the international petroleum market provided the backdrop to Trade and Industry Secretary Rodney Beckett’s address to the Council for Petroleum Resources, in which Mr. Beckett highlighted the recent colonial expansion of the United Kingdom into areas with vast oil and gas reserves to ensure a longer-lasting supply to provide more stability to UK petrol prices.

Also during the address, Secretary Beckett re-affirmed continuing UK support for Pacitalia although he did so without mentioning Prime Minister Sorantanali by name. The support comes at a time when the domestic political situation in Pacitalia remains somewhat unstable, with Prime Minister Sorantanali experiencing record low support and facing rumours of a potential no-confidence vote from the ministers of former Prime Minister Dr. Ell’s administration.

The support of Dr. Ell’s former ministers remains an important facet of Prime Minister Sorantanali’s administration and without such support it is possible that the current government could collapse and new elections be forced. About the Pacitalian Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury has had little to say in the past several weeks, preferring instead to focus on the recently completed integration of Novikov into the newly restructured United Kingdom. It is, however, no secret that Lord Salisbury remains close to former Prime Minister Dr. Ell and that the two continue to remain in touch, reportedly about current affairs.

For the time being, the decrease in petrol prices in Pacitalia will likely provide some comfort to the Pacitalian Prime Minister as the averted crisis will refocus attention on domestic Pacitalian affairs rather than Pacitalia’s leading role on the international stage, the area in which Mr. Sorantanali appears significantly hindered.

In the meantime, the Foreign Office has reaffirmed its desire to see Mr. Sorantanali visit the UK and for Lord Salisbury to visit Pacitalia. For now, they claim scheduling conflicts have prevented the two men from meeting each other in person.