Yemen replaces Jordan as second most expensive MENA country for fuel

AMMAN — Jordan has recently dropped to third place as the most expensive country for fuel in the MENA region, replaced by Yemen as the second most expensive state. 

The decline in rankings came after the Fuel Pricing Committee’s recommendations to lower gas prices went into effect on December 1.

The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission Council also reduced the amount customers pay for the “differences in fuel prices” category on monthly electricity bills in November.

Kerosene and diesel are now sold at JD0.605 per litre, down from JD0.625, marking a 3.3 per cent decline.

The cost of 1 litre of unleaded 90-octane gasoline decreased by 10 per cent and is now sold at JD0.750, down from JD0.825. A litre of unleaded 95-octane gasoline sells for JD0.965, down from JD1.060, marking a drop of 9.8 per cent.

President of the regulatory council Farouq Hiyari said in a statement last month that the reductions came as a result of an agreement between the National Electric Power Company and their Egyptian counterparts.

All derivatives are still subject to a JD0.006 stamp fee, in addition to other fixed fees related to transport, storage and insurance.

Despite the decreases, reactions on social media were largely dismissive, with people saying they did not feel the difference.

Thaer Shaladah Tweeted: “Prices are dropping lower than that internationally. This is literally nothing.”

Others were unaware that the prices were even reduced. Ali Sharadgah, under the name “Abu Abdallah” on Facebook, said he still pays the same price he did last month for a full tank.

“Either the gas station has ripped me off, or the reductions are non-existent,” commented Rami Al Jarmoushi, echoing Abu Abdullah’s post.