The government says the oil price hike is inevitable, because it does not control world crude oil prices. That statement is debatable but in calling for a change in lifestyle, the government should be introspective and look towards its own unhealthy spending habits and lax financial control.

The roller-coaster ride towards what may well be the world of US$100 (RM380) per barrel of crude oil has been going on for many years, but the government has yet to show its willingness to change the murky ways in which our oil resources are managed.