Iraqis Protest Gov't Decision to Hike Fuel Prices--Azzaman, Iraq

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From the new World Media Watch up now at http://www.zianet.com/insightanalytical
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1//Azzaman in English, Iraq December 22, 2005

http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2005-12-7\135.htm



IRAQIS PROTEST GOVERNMENT DECISION TO HIKE FUEL PRICES

By Haqi Ismael



Iraqis are unhappy about the latest hikes in fuel prices which the government announced only a few days after the elections.



Demonstrations have been reported in several provinces in the country and some protests have even occurred in southern cities seen as bastions of the outgoing Shiite-dominated government.



The rise in fuel prices is expected to have far-reaching impact on economic activity in the country. Transport fees and prices of essential items have risen as a result.



The hikes cover main oil products including gasoline which now costs three times as much. A liter of locally produced gasoline has shot to 150 dinars from 50.



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Iraq, though sitting on the world’s second largest oil reserves, has turned into a net importer of fuel. The country’s import fuel bill is estimated at more than $100 million a month.



But the hikes, announced shortly after the elections, have taken Iraqis by surprise.



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