Jordan plans media campaign over subsidy reductions

Authorities plan to launch a media campaign next month to promote the government’s proposal to lift fuel subsidies, according to an official.

The campaign on TV and radio stations as well as newspapers seeks to gain public support for the move to lift fuel subsidies by showing that it will enable authorities to deliver targeted financial support where it is needed, said the official, who requested anonymity.

The media campaign will show the public that the largest share of subsidies goes to the well-off, the source noted, adding that the government hopes the campaign can establish public support for subsidy reform.

The government plans to start scrapping the currently adopted blanket subsidy system by the beginning of next year and replace it with a mechanism that directs financial support to low- and medium-income Jordanians.

On Monday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour told a group of journalists and columnists that the cost of fuel and electricity subsidies is estimated at JD2.25 billion this year, saying that the public should be informed and convinced before a decision to eliminate subsidies is taken.

Indicating that the government has not chosen the mechanism to deliver subsidies to those who deserve it, Ensour noted that over 26 proposals in this regard are being studied.

The premier, however, signalled that he is in favour of removing the current subsidy system gradually.