Digital Fuel Transactions Soar Amid Subsidy Drop

Feb 17 , 2024


Nationwide digital fuel transactions have exceeded the 155.4 billion Br mark, as the Ethiopian Petroleum & Energy Authority released a half-year report last week. Consistent reductions in fuel subsidies have led to the fuel price stabilisation fund hitting an all-time low of 117.4 billion Br, a decrease of 79.6 billion compared to the previous year. The report highlights the successful monitoring of subsidies across the country's 1,589 fuel stations, benefiting nearly 200,000 transporters over the past four months. The proper oversight of subsidies has contributed to the substantial reduction in the fuel price stabilisation fund. Last month, the Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration decreased the number of public transporters eligible for fuel subsidies. The gradual removal of subsidies has been underway since last year, with the Council of Ministers announcing a phased-out process for all beneficiaries through periodic revisions. The report indicates a significant shift in the fuel subsidy landscape, signalling ongoing efforts to align fuel prices with market dynamics and reduce government financial burdens in this sector.


Radar

Parliament Nods for Cabinet Appointments

Federal legislators have approved five cabinet-level positions last week with a member of Parliament (MP) voted against and two abstentions were counted. Gedion Timotheos (PhD) leads the charge as the new minister of Foreign Affairs, filling in Taye Asqeselassie's shoes, where he stayed briefly before becoming the country's president. With law degrees from Addis Abeba and Central European universities, Gedion was previously Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Joining him in the redev...


Radar

Abyssinia Group Eyes Expansion with IFC Funding

Abyssinia Group of Industries (AGI), a leading East African steel producer, is poised for significant expansion owing to a proposed investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which is considering a financing package of up to 50 million dollars, including parallel loans in local currency. Headquartered in Kenya, AGI operates two steel plants in Ethiopia, six in Kenya, and has mining activities in Uganda. AGI currently produces 660,000 metric tons of steel annually and employs...


Radar

Fitch Acknowledges Easing Financial Pressures, Enhanced Macroeconomic Stability

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Ethiopia's Long-Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating (LTLC IDR) to 'CCC+' from 'CCC-', citing easing financing pressures, improved macroeconomic stability, and increased confidence that local-currency obligations will not be part of the ongoing debt restructuring. This positive development comes as the government implements key reforms and secures renewed concessional external financing. The ratings agency has taken note of the introduction of a market-based ex...


Back
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email