KUWAIT CITY // A Kuwaiti court ordered the government to abolish an increase in petrol prices on Wednesday, nearly one month after it took effect.
The price rise, ranging from about 40 to 80 per cent depending on the type of petrol, met stiff opposition from MPs and activists when it was introduced on September 1 following a slide in oil revenues.
The administrative court did not immediately give the reasons for its ruling which was based on a petition filed by lawyer Nawaf Al Fuzai.
Mr Al Fuzai argued that the price decision “should have come through a bill from parliament and not from the cabinet”.
“I believe the judge has accepted our argument,” he said after the verdict was announced.
It can still be challenged by the government at the appeals and supreme courts.
The ruling came after MPs requested an emergency session of parliament on Thursday to debate the price increase.
In their motion, parliamentarians said the move had resulted in a rise in the prices of commodities and goods.
MPs want the government to compensate Kuwaiti citizens who comprise around 30 per cent of the 4.3 million population.
The cabinet said the decision was part of a series of measures to meet a budget deficit due to a sharp drop in oil revenues. Previously, these revenues had made up around 95 per cent of the country’s total income.
Kuwait liberalised the prices of diesel and kerosene in January 2015 and revises them monthly.
Other Gulf states, including the UAE, had already raised fuel and electricity prices.
In April, Kuwait’s parliament approved a government-sponsored bill to raise electricity and water prices paid by foreign residents and businesses, but exempted Kuwaiti citizens.
The Opec member recorded a budget shortfall of 4.6 billion dinars (Dh56.1bn) in the fiscal year ending on March 31.
It was the first shortfall since the fiscal year ending on March 1999.
* Agence France-Presse
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New Zealand T20 squad
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
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Cutting red tape on import and export of food
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England squads for Test and T20 series against New Zealand
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The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
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AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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The biog
Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them
Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need
Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman
Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs
Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing
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Results:
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1.400m | Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
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Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.
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Recycle Reuse Repurpose
New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors
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About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor
Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:
Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled
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