Foreign ships and planes refuelling in Jordan will be slapped with heftier bills starting January 15, officials said on Wednesday.
Under the decision taken by the council of ministers, foreign airlines will face a 26 percent increase in kerosene, with the price climbing from 21 cents to 26 cents per liter, they said.
The price of fuel sold to foreign ships will increase by between 17.5 percent from its current level of 23 cents per liter to 28 cents, and 21 percent, the officials said.
The Jordanian government last month announced plans to increase petrol (gasoline) prices early this year to help cover a $253-million deficit in the 2001 budget.
More than half of the Jordanian parliament -- which is set to begin discussion the budget next week -- have already said they will oppose petrol increases.
A petition by MPs to the government argues that any increase will be a burden for cash-strapped Jordanians.—AFP.
©--Agence France Presse.
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
