| Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva lambasted wealthy nations for their punitive agricultural tariffs.
28
April
2008
Sugar-based fuel produced in Brazil is being fingered for causing global price surges -- an accusation fiercely rejected by Lula.
President Lula said on Sunday that wealthy nations should stop pinning the blame on biofuels for the explosive rise in global food prices.
He said: 'Those who criticise biofuels have never criticised the price of oil. The developed world imports oil with no tariffs, yet they
place an absurd tariff on Brazilian ethanol.'
Lula said such a situation exists because Brazil's role in international trade has steadily transformed from minor role to major player.
President Lula said rich countries should lower their agricultural tariffs for the products of poor countries to enter their markets.
Disputes between developed and developing countries on agricultural subsidies and industrial tariffs have marred WTO's Doha talks.
Lula to rich nations: 'Stop your hypocrisy,' buy Brazil biofuel.
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