Kuwait reviewing its subsidies system

By Marc Castro

Oct 22, 2013 10:38 AM EDT

Kuwait would be reviewing its subsidies policy according to its finance minister in a televised interview last Monday. He added that the financial support would only go to those who would need the support in the country.

The International Monetary Fund had urged reforms in the subsidies system in Kuwait. This program alongside its wage hikes had contributed to the sudden rise in government spending. All the residents have been benefiting from the subsidized prices of petrol and electricity. Aside from this, Kuwaiti nationals also receive extra support in housing and food.

According to Finance Minister Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz al-Sabah, "There is a possibility of reconsidering the subsidies." The remarks were made during an interview with pan-Arab news channel al-Arabiya when asked about Kuwait would review subsidies, especially for petrol and electricity.

He added that the government would review 'all kinds of subsidies' to tackle structural imbalances in the state budget. The review would not affect the 'vast majority' of the country's citizens, according to the Finance Minister, without providing further details.

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