Both, it seems are about to rise. And rise appreciably. The government – bless their souls – have had enough pumping good money into various subsidies which – they finally realised – benefits both the haves and the have-nots.
In fact, they just benefit the haves and even finance various businesses too via the subsidised goods, the price of shawarma for instance remains “reasonable” due to the ready availability of subsidized meats, bread and vegetables too.
So, the test balloons have been released over the last couple of weeks via “judicious” press leaks – well, if you consider four-pound hammers cracking a walnut judicious, that is – and now over the last couple of days, they just came out and said it: the subsidies will be of the past very soon. The government no longer has the luxury of dedicating some BD200 million a year to do just that. The first commodity to be hit will be the Mumtaz fuel it seems. Then it will roll down on to other commodities.
The premise the government is throwing at us is that they will ensure that those in need will be taken care of and subsidies will be routed appropriately. They’re a bit sketchy on this little detail of course, but I’m sure the CIO will once again pull that proverbial rabbit out of their hat. Or, maybe, they’ll put the “smart card” to use. Coupled with the deep data mining they are capable of, they wouldn’t be too taxed in finding those who are actually in need.
Some skeptics are not convinced of the motives and are less so about the implementation. I can’t say that I don’t agree for the details are anything but crystal. I would be very happy if this newly elected parliament with its greater number of “independents” a lot of whom are businessmen would look at the budget and plans acutely. They need to, and they need to hold the government to account and press it for full transparency – especially the black hole which is the CIO – to ensure that funds are put where they belong, and routed to those who deserve them.
The ballpark is now set for the next four years of parliament I think… it will be a more vociferous fight about money, which is distasteful if not coupled with real demands for full governmental disclosure and transparency.
Let the games begin, I say. It should be fun.
Comments
Not got the money? Erm, I wonder where it has all gone? Billions over the years plus the new oil fields.
Reduction of government support, plus lack of transparency in new allocation of funds seems like the direction in which things will turn out to be mmmm
Wouldn’t this seem interesting?
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/11/10/DSCA-announces-Bahrain-missile-buy/UPI-44551289412831/
USD 70 million, And for what???
Author
To DEFEND ourselves against Aye-RAN! Shame on you for putting that in doubt!!
Reminded me of the Arabic word “Al Bu3 Bu3” 😀
Wonder whether those weapons would defend the Govt. from criticism of the people.
Mahmood.
I am glad that your gumption has returned, stay safe, apparently as Ali found out your government tends to not like critisism. I just this evening looked at your country on google and found it to be smaller in area than the city I live in.
Author
Many thanks Wayne. What’s happening to Ali and others is a disgrace. We shall continue to call for his release or at least a fair trial to all of those incarcerated.
cut the petrol subsides support for
companies + foreigners
that would easily save them over 100mil
what i really fear , that those money end up in someone is swiss bank account instead 🙁
Gents,
You just do the math based what is mentioned in the below resources, if the price of oil is USD 80 (an assumption but the actual price might be more) :
مليونبرميل إنتاج البØÂرينالنÙÂطيÙÂيالربع الأول (أيأو ثلاث شهور)
المصدر: http://www.alwasatnews.com/2102/news/read/299119/1.html
هيئة النÙÂØ· والغاز: 49,445 مليونبرميل إنتاج البØÂرينمنالنÙÂØ· ÙÂÙŠ9 أشهر
المصدر: http://www.alwasatnews.com/2991/news/read/509980/1.html
67.26 مليونبرميل إنتاج البØÂـرينالنÙÂـطـيبزيـادة 354 ألـÙÂـاً
المصدر: http://www.alwaqt.com/art.php?aid=103812
Ø¥ØÂصائيات ØÂول إنتاج البØÂرينالنÙÂطي:
http://www.alnabanews.com/node/6950
توقع نمو إنتاج البØÂرينمنالنÙÂØ· إلى 75 أل٠برميل ÙÂÙŠ5 سنوات
http://www.m-e-c.biz/bahrin-oil-75000.html
Author
I agree. The government’s spending plans just do not make sense.
Shawarma is a bad example Mahmood. Shawarma should be subisidised for eternity. There should be a law against removing subsidies from shawarma-related items
Author
I’m sure our friend Mark will completely sympathise with your sentiments Fahad!
I, however, am on a no-bread and no-dairy diet (yes, latest fad) so I’ll support the removal of subsidy on this particular delicacy for the good of the nation.