Mauritania's Prime Minister, Moktar Ould Ajaib, has disclosed that the cost of importing one liter of diesel fuel in November is 875.5 ouguiyas. He made this revelation during a parliamentary session where he defended his government's policies, including the controversial Adax deal. The Prime Minister stated that the cost includes 267.3 ouguiyas in taxes and fees, such as value-added tax and customs duties.
The Prime Minister also revealed that citizens pay 621 ouguiyas per liter of diesel fuel after subsidies. He emphasized that the actual tax burden on citizens is relatively low, at 12.6 ouguiyas per liter. This disclosure comes amid criticism of the government's handling of fuel prices, which have been rising since March. The Prime Minister's comments aim to provide transparency and clarity on the fuel subsidy program.
Ould Ajaib defended the Adax deal, which has faced criticism from some quarters. He stated that Adax offered the lowest price among bidders and that other companies, including two of the world's largest in the sector, lost the bid. The Prime Minister added that none of the losing companies filed a complaint against the winner. This suggests that the government is confident in the deal's legitimacy.
The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of corruption, acknowledging that it remains a significant challenge for the country. He described corruption as a "serious disease" and emphasized that the government is working to combat it through laws and institutions. Ould Ajaib noted that some campaigns against corruption may be driven by personal interests.
The parliamentary session, which lasted over 15 hours, concluded with the National Assembly granting confidence to the government's program with a majority of 145 votes, compared to 21 opposing votes and one abstention. The Prime Minister pledged to respect the opinions of the opposition, acknowledging that their concerns may have some merit.
The government's fuel subsidy program has been a point of contention in Mauritania, with some arguing that it benefits a select few at the expense of the general population. The Prime Minister's disclosures aim to provide clarity on the program's costs and benefits. The Adax deal has also faced scrutiny, with some questioning its value to the country.
The Mauritanian government faces challenges in balancing the need for economic growth with the pressure to reduce fuel subsidies. The country's economy is heavily reliant on imports, and fluctuations in global fuel prices can have a significant impact on the budget. The Prime Minister's comments suggest that the government is working to find a sustainable solution to these challenges.
Key points
- The cost of importing diesel fuel in Mauritania is 875.5 ouguiyas per liter, while citizens pay 621 ouguiyas per liter after subsidies.
