Kuwait takes into account MPs' ideas on subsidies

The government will deal "as much as it can" with the recommendations of the MPs given out today at the National Assembly session regarding lifting of government subsidies from the prices of diesel and kerosene, said Minister of Oil and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Dr. Ali Al-Omair.
"The decision by the government regarding lifting subsidies from prices of diesel and kerosene came after a thorough study prepared by the subsidies committee and presented to a joint meeting of the Higher Council for Planning and Development and the Cabinet," said Dr. Al-Omair. The decision to lift the subsidies was implemented beginning January 1.
The Higher Council for Planning and Development and the Cabinet agreed to lift the subsidies from diesel, kerosene, and aircraft fuel, said the minister, while lifting subsidies from prices of electricity, water, and gasoline were postponed.
Citing the fact that any project would experience some stumbling at first, the minister emphasized that the government would follow the course of its current decision about the subsidies and monitor its ramifications for a period of six months, with the view to spot any drawbacks.
Al-Omair further said that any companies or businesses that might have been adversely affected by the subsidies decision have the option of contacting the Kuwait Petroleum Corp. and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for possible redress.
He moreover stressed the government's keenness to track down and arrest smugglers of diesel and kerosene and turn them over to the public prosecutor's office, noting that the government was ready to reveal the name of such smugglers to lawmakers of the National Assembly, after these smugglers got sentenced by the court.
Source: KUNA