The Iraqi parliament recommended on 21 September that the government restore fuel subsidies for industrial companies. The oil ministry began raising prices this month for fuel oil, gasoil, and other products supplied to private-sector factories and plants, withdrawing subsidies entirely in most cases. MPs criticized the measure on 20 September, when they also accused the oil minister and senior ministry officials of failing to prevent widespread gasoline shortages across the country (MEES, 25 September).
The cabinet had taken the decision to remove subsidies in August as part of measures to curb government spending amid a severe liquidity shortage (MEES, 28 August). Some industrial users had received discounts of up to 80% on Somo’s selling prices. (CONTINUED - 255 WORDS)
