Government sources have admitted that the prices of basic utilities such as electricity, water and fuel will have to rise in 2005. This is partly due to the proposed privatization of many of these utilities and a new law on hydrocarbons, according to the Algerian news source, <i>Algerie Liberte</i>.
This is part of the reason why the proposed privatization plans are unpopular in Algeria. The government is pressing ahead to increase the efficiency of basic industries and also to attract foreign investment which is hoped will boost infrastructure in the country and allow for greater economic development.
