Tunisia raises petrol prices to trim budget gap

TUNIS – Tunisia has increased domestic petrol prices by 4,5 per cent to reduce an energy budget deficit that has widened due to soaring world prices, the government said yesterday.

The prices of lead-free petrol and two star petrol rose to 1,15 dinars (US$0,89) per litre from 1,10 dinars. A previous increase was announced in early July.The government has budgeted 450 million dinars (US$348,6 million) to subsidise domestic oil prices this year.A US$1 rise in imported oil prices adds 35 million dinars to the annual energy subsidy budget, officials said.Nampa-ReutersA previous increase was announced in early July.The government has budgeted 450 million dinars (US$348,6 million) to subsidise domestic oil prices this year.A US$1 rise in imported oil prices adds 35 million dinars to the annual energy subsidy budget, officials said.Nampa-Reuters