The state-run electricity generation and supply unit, EVN, has announced sweeping price rises for 2006. EVN has submitted to the Ministry of Industry five options for raising prices. The new tariffs, if approved, will come into effect in 2006 and will represent a 14.8% average rise from current rates. Concerns have been voiced that such a steep increase would be unaffordable, especially considering the prices of many other commodities too have risen sharply. The EVN plans provoked strong reactions from some major power-consuming industries like steel and float glass. Mr T Tam, deputy general director of Vietnam Float Glass said, "Increased electricity prices would be a problem. High petroleum and transport costs have put pressure on us. We cannot raise selling prices as the demand for glass in construction is at a low."
