Why pay for fuel if the state doesn't get the money?
Libyan economist Mokhtar Al-Jadeed has raised sharp criticism over the country's subsidised fuel pricing, questioning why citizens continue to pay 0.15 dinar (~$0.03) per litre when, he alleges, the revenue does not reach the state treasury.
In a statement posted to his official Facebook page, Al-Jadeed argued that if the money is not entering public coffers, it should remain with the people. 'The fuel should be free — fill up and go,' he said.
Addressing proposals to remove fuel subsidies, he warned: 'If they were tempted to take even the 15 qirsh, what will happen when the price of a litre of gasoline reaches five dinars (~$1)?'
His remarks come amid ongoing national debate over the future of Libya's fuel subsidy programme — a politically sensitive issue in a country where cheap fuel is one of the few direct benefits provided by the state, but also a driver of widespread smuggling and corruption. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
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