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Egypt increases domestic fuel prices for the second time in this year

The official gazette of Egypt announced that Egypt increased prices on a variety of fuel products Friday. This is the second price increase in this year. It's part the government's policy to reduce subsidies and alleviate a budgetary deficit.

After a nearly 10% increase, the price of a variety of petroleum products has increased by 10.5% to 12.9%.

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. Egypt said recently that it hoped this would be the final major increase in fuel prices if global markets remain stable.

Diesel, the most widely used fuel in Egypt, was raised from 15.50 Egyptian pounds to 17.50 Egyptian pounds.

The International Monetary Fund stated in March that Egypt was committed to reducing its energy subsidies, and bringing the domestic prices to actual costs by December. This is part of efforts to reduce an enormous current account deficit. The government has said that it will continue to subsidise the diesel fuel, even if this means raising prices for other fuels to cover the subsidy.

IMF loan of $8 billion has forced the government to reduce fuel, food and electricity subsidies.

Egypt's current accounts grew by 12% in the second quarter.

The deficit was $2.2 billion

According to the central bank, imports of oil-based products have risen to $500 million, up from $400 million just a year ago.

Gasoline prices rose by up to 12.9% depending on the grade. For example, 80 octane gas increased to 17.75 pounds, 92 octane to 19.25 pounds, and 95 octane to 21 pounds.

(source: Reuters)