Dear Editor: Palau lawmakers have proposed a citizen rebate to offset the rising cost of living. On paper, it sounds like relief. With fuel now at $8.12 a gallon and basic goods climbing higher, families are desperate for help. Supporters argue that rebates would provide immediate assistance, while critics question whether such a program is […]
Tag: Palau cost of living
Posted inOpinion
To the Editor:
The Poverty Among the Palauans By: K.B. Toichi Palauans have been struggling to keep up with the high cost of living, including electricity bills, fuel prices, and goods and services taxes. The high cost of everything has affected the everyday lives of citizens. With the minimum wage starting at $5.00 per hour, it doesn’t cover […]
Posted inTop Stories
Controversial Postal Policy Deferred in Palau Following Lawmaker Pushback
Families, state leaders question cost and service impact of proposed P.O. box restrictions By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (April 6, 2026) — A controversial plan to restrict postal box sharing has been put on hold after lawmakers pushed back against rising costs and service concerns, prompting a reversal by Postmaster General Santy Asanuma during […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palauans Reel as Gas Tops $7 a Gallon: ‘A Wake-Up Call’
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — “The recent surge to over $7.00 per gallon is a wake-up call that we must break our dependence on imported fossil fuels to protect the Palauan family’s pocketbook,” said one young woman, capturing the raw frustration echoing across the island nation. Gas prices have rocketed past $7 per gallon, […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palauans Feel Global Shock as Gas Nears $7 a Gallon
Rapid price surge highlights island nation’s dependence on imported fuel By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Mar. 9, 2026) — “We’re not part of that operation, but we feel the effects,” said one Palauan resident who closely tracks fuel usage, as gasoline prices across the country jumped about 60 cents per gallon within a single week, […]
Posted inOpinion
“Economic Growth for Whom? Palauans Still Struggling”
Dear editor, We must ask the hard question: Does this so-called “economic growth” actually trickle down to our people? Millions are being negotiated with the U.S., yet Palauans are still struggling. Food is expensive. PPUC is costly. Housing is unaffordable. Small businesses are closing. Drug abuse continues. Prisoners are dying. People with disabilities are still […]