Meeting on adjusting electricity, water fees lauded

Energy Minister Dr. Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza said the joint government-parliamentary committee in charge of reviewing the policy of redirecting subsidies and raising government revenues convened today in a positive climate to discuss redirecting electricity and water subsidies.

He added that the Energy Ministry will submit a report on the meeting to the cabinet through the Ministerial Committee for Financial Affairs and Monitoring Expenditure to take the necessary decision regarding the adjusted electricity and water fees.

He noted that during consultations between the legislative and executive branches, there had been an emphasis on the principle of safeguarding citizens' gains and ensuring citizens are not affected by the decisions taken which are dictated by the financial situation resulting from a sharp drop in global oil prices.

Dr. Mirza explained that details about the adjusted electricity and water fees will be disclosed once they are approved by the cabinet in terms of how the new mechanism will be carried out.

He pointed out that citizens will continue enjoying the service at subsidised prices in their own homes while the fees will be gradually adjusted for non-Bahraini subscribers as well as subscribers from the commercial, investment and industrial sectors. He noted that once the decision is approved by the cabinet in its final state, the date of implementation will be unveiled. He also stressed that the new fees will not affect Bahrain's competitiveness compared to other countries in the region.