Jordan's Finance Minister Adel Qudah on Sunday denied that the government has any plan to increase tax rates. "The government's efforts now focus on ways to improve collecting tax revenues, rationalize public spending and put an end to an unjustifiable spending," Qudah added in a press statement.
He said the government decision to increase fuel prices was meant to help reduce budget deficit and improve financial reform programs.
On Saturday, Jordan raised the prices of oil-derivatives by up to 33 percent in a gradual move to lift government subsidies within three years. Gasoline prices were up by 10 percent, while diesel fuel was up by 33 percent, forcing public transport rates to also rise.
