An eid with anxiety [Archives:2005/809/Viewpoint]
Yemenis this eid will be spending their vacation in anxiety, awaiting the bombshell economic 'dose' in the form of a hike in prices of fuel up to 100 per cent. Whoever you ask about what is expected during this holiday season, you get a similar answer: the dose is coming.
Some observers think that it would be clever to announce the decision of the dose while people are enjoying time in their villages or with family members. There is no question, however, that such news will jeopardize the rest of the vacation, turning it into an absolute hell for many.
At a time when the majority of the Yemeni public is already suffering significant economic hardships, such an increase in fuel prices will have a devastating impact. More people will find it impossible to make ends meet. Others will have to lower their standard of living to a degree they never imagined.
It is expected that an increase in fuel prices will result in:
– Higher transportation costs, rising 100 per cent in some cases;
– Higher cost of wheat, flour, and other basic living commodities by 50 to 100 per cent;
– Higher costs for overall foodstuffs in groceries and supermarkets;
– Doubling of the prices of vegetables and fruits that are transported using vehicles that consume diesel, whose price would rise 100 per cent;
– A significant rise in rents of houses, and the other products such as textiles, electronic equipment, etc.
It is, therefore, no surprise that parliament was so reluctant to approve the package when the time came.
Some gas stations have already started reserving huge quantities of gas and diesel in anticipation of the increased profit margins after the reforms come into effect.
Until the final decision on this move takes place, people will go on with their lives, praying that their worst nightmares will not evolve and that all this news about the reform dose are just rumors.
But when it happens, there will definitely be another story.
Let's wait and see how things evolve
Happy Eid to all of you.
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