Oman government introduces fuel subsidy scheme

Muscat: Omani citizens over the age of 18 who earn OMR600 or less a month will get 200 litres of subsidised fuel every month, the government has announced.

With the introduction of the National Subsidy System, the current price cap on M91 petrol will also be lifted, as directed by the Council of Ministers, according to authorities.

Starting in January, the fuel subsidy scheme is part of a government social security safety net plan for citizens adversely affected by the removal of fuel subsidies.

Oman is trying to move away from its dependence on oil revenue and the recent slump in oil meant fuel prices – post subsidy removal – increased substantially.

The government last night called on all eligible Omanis to register as soon as possible, as the new system will start in January, 2018.

Almost 9,000 people have already registered for the programme, with the National Subsidy System agency announcing that 8,867 have registered for the programme until 9 am this morning.

A statement from the government news agency reads: As per this mechanism, Omani citizens who meet eligibility requirements will get 200 litres per month of M91 petrol at a cost of not more than 180 baisas per litre. The mechanism relies on the system that connects Royal Oman Police system with all fuel marketing companies to ensure accuracy and smooth implementation. This mechanism will include all sectors of society who meet the following requirements.

Each Omani citizen above 18-year-old who owns in his name a vehicle registered with Royal Oman Police or a fishing boat registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries subject that his total monthly income from all sources is not more than OMR600.

Petrol cap

The M91 petrol cap has been identified based on analysing the data of the vehicles registered in the Sultanate and fuel consumption rate in the last five years. The quantity is also in line with the average consumption of the Omani families as per the statistics of the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

Based on the subsidy terms, the categories covered include all Omani employees, entrepreneurs, job seekers, students , housemaids and retirees, as well as fishermen who meet the said eligibility terms.

The special mechanism for the farmers will be announced soon.

Omanis who meet requirements are required to register at the national subsidy system website www.nss.gov.om.

To ensure clear mechanism for all eligible categories, more details will be published on the website of the national fuel subsidy, as well as different media means and social networks.