Egyptian parliamentarian Yasser Omar revealed that the Egyptian parliament was informed of the decision to increase the price of fuel prices, saying that the government briefed the Egyptian parliament of the decision before its issuance.
He added, in an interview with “Arabs Today”, that it is not logic for the government to take such critical decision without the approval of parliament. He stressed that the decision was discussed during the consideration of the new state budget.
He explained that the government discussed the new measures, saying that the government took the decision as the only way to contain the increasing deficit witnessed in the Egyptian budget. He added that the time of decision was a surprise for all Egyptians, saying that the decision was not expected to be taken during this month or even the coming month.
He stressed that the government decided to take the decision during this time to meet its commitments to the conditions imposed by International Monetary Fund (IMF) to receive the second slice of the loan. He stressed that the government would not take the rest of loan if it did not take the steps leading to lift the subsidies.
The recently-taken decision to increase fuel prices is part of Egypt's economic reform system, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said. It was necessary to take this decision to ensure that subsidy is delivered to those who deserve it, the premier said at a press conference on Thursday.
This move comes as part of the government's bids to provide high quality services to citizens, he added. The cabinet had approved an increase in fuel prices as of Thursday morning.