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Egypt raises fuel prices in line with IMF rules

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AFP Cairo
Last Updated : Jul 05 2019 | 3:45 PM IST

Egypt increased fuel prices Friday in its latest round of subsidy cuts under a reform package agreed with the International Monetary Fund, authorities said.

The latest cut in fuel subsidies is a condition of a $12-billion loan secured from the IMF in November 2016.

It is the fifth and final hike in petrol prices as Egypt prepares to receive the last $2-billion tranche from the monetary body.

Since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took power in 2014, his government has enforced a strict austerity programme designed to jump-start the economy.

The economy took a battering in the immediate aftermath of the revolution that ousted long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

Direct foreign investment has grown to record levels but the country's debt and essential household costs have ballooned.

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In May, electricity bills were raised by around 15 per cent.

Egyptians have had to contend with belt-tightening measures that have seen living costs soar since the pound was devalued in November 2016.

The Washington-based body commended Cairo in April for its "substantial progress".

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First Published: Jul 05 2019 | 3:45 PM IST

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