Drop in int’l oil prices to be reflected locally

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AMMAN — Indicators show that international fuel prices are dropping this month, and consequently, oil derivatives in the local market will likewise decrease according to the monthly pricing scheme, which will be reviewed at the end of this month, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh said.

During a closed Lower House session on Tuesday to discuss the Kingdom's general condition following a strike of truck and public transport vehicle owners decrying fuel price hikes, Khasawneh acquainted the lawmakers with the government’s measures in response to the demands of workers in the shipping and public transport sectors.

The government has considered the living conditions of the citizens and the state of all sectors, he said, adding that all possible measures will be taken to alleviate citizens' burdens, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Government measures were taken to spare the public “a greater danger”, he said, highlighting that the government’s actions have succeeded in maintaining economic and monetary stability and controlling the inflation rate, noting that multiple countries in the region and the world are experiencing record breaking inflation pressures.

Jordan has succeeded in maintaining an inflation rate below 4 per cent, the lowest in comparison with the majority of countries in the region and worldwide.

Further, the country has ensured a "historical and strategic" reserve of hard currency in the Central Bank of Jordan, and has also proceeded with development and investment programmes, economic modernisation efforts and addressing the repercussions of regional and global crises, the premier said.

The prime minister also expressed appreciation for the deputies and senators' efforts that helped in getting the operations back on track.

Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi reiterated the Chamber's support for the Kingdom and security bodies, emphasising that the Constitution protects the right to hold and express opinions without affecting the security and stability of the nation or public and private property.

During the session, Minister of Interior Mazen Faraya reviewed the efforts of the competent bodies and the security apparatuses in their handling of the strike, notably in road protection, as the attacks targeted trucks, buses, and private vehicles.

He also noted that the efforts also focused on ensuring the safety of strategic commodities coming from Aqaba, mainly wheat, barley and foodstuffs, as the strikes contributed to a backlog in goods to be shipped.

The lawmakers called on the government to reconsider and amend tax burdens, and notably to cut taxes on fuel derivatives.

The government and lawmakers remembered the fallen police officers who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country's stability and security.