Lawmakers seek six-month relief on utility charges for Bahraini businesses

TDT | Manama

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Bahraini business owners should be spared electricity and water charges, lawmakers said, citing exceptional conditions and economic strain caused by the Iranian attacks.

Four MPs have submitted an urgent proposal to also suspend municipal and labour fees for six months, aiming to support Bahraini-owned firms, particularly small and medium enterprises hit by weaker trade and rising costs.

Jaleela Alawi, Mohsin Al Asbool, Hisham Al Ashiri and Mahmood Fardan said rising expenses and fixed obligations are making it harder for businesses to operate, warning that continued payments could force some to scale back or temporarily shut, affecting jobs and the wider economy.

They said a temporary suspension would give firms breathing space to stabilise operations and gradually restore trade, while maintaining economic balance and supporting the private sector during this exceptional period.

Swift government action

The proposal, submitted on an urgent basis, calls for swift government action to ease financial pressure and keep businesses running.

Its explanatory note highlights the direct impact of the Iranian attacks on key sectors, noting that Bahraini firms, reliant on daily trade and steady cash flow, are among the hardest hit. It adds that rising costs and ongoing obligations are intensifying pressure, underscoring the need for support to sustain economic activity and protect jobs.

The note says the proposal is based on current exceptional conditions, higher operating costs, the burden of essential payments and the need to prevent business disruption. It aims to provide temporary relief, help firms continue operating and preserve economic stability.