THERE are simple solutions to the perennial cooking oil shortage problem.

Firstly, remove all quotas on the production of cooking oil. Secondly, remove all price controls on the product. And thirdly, allow the importation of cooking oil. Then the problem will be permanently solved.

What percentage of the weekly household budget do consumers spend on cooking oil? Do we really need a subsidy for this product?

In fact, do we need a subsidy on any product? Let the market decide.

Continuing cooking oil shortages are not a market failure, but indications of shortcomings in government pricing policies.

DR IAN MACKECHNIE, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – January 10, 2008