Fuel shock for the common man

The petrol price hike definitely comes as a shock. We did see a lot of our neighbours increasing the fuel price but the decisions like this are completely not acceptable. We have a Parliament session today with an agenda but if time permits we will discuss the price hike issue and see how this can be made less burdensome to the citizens.

Mohammed Alammadi, Member of Parliament

There isn’t much that we can say. The government has already made the decision but we will only be able to comment or give a clear picture until this is discussed in the parliament.

Jamal Dawood, Member of Parliament 

The fuel prices were hiked a few years back unannounced by the government. We are still in a shock and still don’t know what to comment on the situation, but there are definitely important questions that need to be raised: where the profit will go. We need to question the authorities - Finance Ministry, Oil and Gas Ministry- on how the money will be used; whether it will be allocated for the budget or for other purposes. Further, the officials need to realise that Bahrain is no comparison to other GCC countries like UAE or Saudi Arabia as the earning power in these countries are very different compared to Bahrain. In the Kingdom, the prices are increased with no hike in the salary. So the issue of an increase in salary needs to be addressed.

Ahmed Qarata, Member of Parliament 

I believe the decision will definitely boost the economy and reduce the senseless use of oil. Further, we also need to realise that this decision comes with the price change in all the regions. 

Amjad Taha 

The petrol price hike definitely came as a shock owing to the sudden announcement. In a country where people aren’t really used to utility hikes, this is definitely going to have an adverse impact on people. It goes without saying that prices of commodities are going to go up in light of this and that in turn is going to have a negative impact on the market and the economy. Higher prices for utilities mean lower disposable income. I’m certain that people are going to think twice about the kind of car they will be buying and paying close attention to the kind of fuel economy that a car gets; an element that was literally non-existent. Combined with the recent “sin-tax” and the upcoming VAT, this year is definitely going to be a challenging year for Bahrain’s market. I believe it will take a while before the initial shock wears off and people get used to the new prices and taxes. Perhaps a lot of wastage will be avoided here on as people scrutinize their budgets more carefully. 

On the bright side, despite the latest hike in gas prices, Bahrain still ranks in the top 10 cheapest countries in the world as far as gasoline prices are concerned.

Sangeeth Muraleedharan

I can’t say, I am surprised at the price increase. It was expected since some neighbouring countries did the same. But what surprised me is how it came suddenly and without warning or being discussed in parliament. We are seeing a lot of price increase in various products but on the other hand, nothing to compensate the people, such as more subsidized products or financial aid to the low-income earners or increase in salaries. Other countries have done the same when such price increases were implemented.  

Mohammed Khalid Ateeq