AMMAN — The
State of the Country Report 2021
recommended pricing oil derivatives quarterly or seasonally so that local rates
would commensurate with global prices.
اضافة اعلان
The report also recommended restructuring the
electric tariff through a time-bound mechanism that would encourage increased
consumption during non-peak morning periods.
The State of the Country Report is published
annually by the
Economic and Social Council, an advisory body to the Jordanian
Government on economic and social issues and policies. Its report covers all
sectors of the Jordanian economy.
Last year’s report recommended strengthening the
role of the
Jordan Atomic Energy Commission by developing the use of third and
fourth generation reactors from small compact reactors.
The reactors supply energy in many countries and can
be used for electric power generation, water desalination as well as in the
agricultural, industrial and medical sectors.
The report urged amending legislation regulating the
electricity sector, especially meter reading for households so that consumers
would not bear additional costs.
Oil expert
Amer Al-Shobaki told
Jordan News that the recommendations circumvent the essence of sustainable solutions in the
energy sector, especially oil derivatives.
“This reflects negatively on citizens,” he said. He
explained if oil prices are high on the international market, they will remain
high locally, even if the prices decline globally.
By the same token, the prices would remain low
domestically, even if oil prices increase globally, he added.
“This way, citizens are deprived of any declines
that they may benefit from,” he maintained.
Energy expert Hashem Al-Akel, said he is against
pricing oil derivatives because it brings little benefit to citizens.
He called for revoking government pricing of oil,
leaving that to private firms, a move which he said would ultimately create
competition and attract more clientele.
Economic analyst Wajdi Al-Makhamreh said tax revenue
levied from oil derivatives is an added burden on the pockets of Jordanians.
The revenue brings the treasury JD1.2 billion annually.
Makhamreh noted that the tariff in Jordan is one of
the highest in the Middle East, and this constitutes a great burden on
citizens, especially low-income Jordanians, who are barely able to make ends
meet in view of the rise in foodstuff prices.
Read more Features
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
