Bahraini.TV

30,000 to protest fuel price rise

by mahmood on 07/01/10 at 1:39 pm · email  · print  

More than 30,000 people are expected to demonstrate on the streets of Manama tomorrow amid fears of a potential increase in petrol prices.

Twelve political societies, under the chairmanship of Al Wefaq block MP Jawad Fairooz, have joined forces with trade unions to organise the protest.

MPs were outraged last month when ministers confirmed that the existing system of blanket subsidies for staple foods and fuel was “unworkable” and could be scrapped to ensure that those in greatest need benefited.

Despite a letter from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to MPs, in which he said plans were in place to increase price subsidies for citizens in genuine need, organisers yesterday confirmed the march would still go ahead.

Wa’ad spokesman Radhi Al Mousawi said the main aim of the demonstration, being held under the slogan ‘But Our Bread’, was to give people the chance to express their opinions on the issue.

“The big problem is that nobody has any exact information about what is going on,” he claimed.

“Some people are saying there will be increases and some people think there won’t be, but the fact is that there is no procedure or schedule in place, so nobody knows what is happening.”

Mr Mousawi said he expected at least 30,000 people to attend the demo, which will begin near the Sheraton Hotel and continue along Government Avenue.

Interior Ministry officials said they were aware of the protest and standard procedures were in place to deal with it.

However, permission for all demonstrations is only issued by the Public Security Directorate, and it was yesterday unclear whether that had been obtained.

Speculation over the scrapping of the subsidies scheme arose last month when ministers were accused of refusing to give a definite answer on what exactly the review would entail for subsidies on fuel, consumer goods and services.

A letter was subsequently sent to HRH the Prime Minister by MPs, who demanded a written ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

In his response to MPs, delivered by parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani on Tuesday, HRH the Premier said that no decision had been made to increase petrol or kerosene prices and that the subsidy issues were still being studied.

He went on to say that the government was looking to increase subsidies and to make sure they reach those who need them, as well as ensuring they benefit from the government’s development and social plans, to bring more gains for the country and people.

HRH the Premier also stressed that the ministers concerned would be available to respond to any question that MPs may have through the relevant parliamentary committee.

However, despite all this, MPs maintained it was the Prime Minister’s comment “the Cabinet had not yet taken any decision on price subsidies”, that was the key to the protest going ahead.

The societies taking part in the demonstration include Al Wefaq, Al Wasat Arab Islamic Society, Watani Democratic Action Society, Al Menbar Taqadumi Democratic Society, National Democratic Tajamu Society, Democratic Watani Tajamu Society, Tajamu Watani Destouri Society, National Action Charter Society, Al Ekha’a (Fraternity) Al Watani Society, Al Amal (Action) Islamic Society, Al Menbar Islamic Society and Al Fikr Al Watani Al Horr Society.