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

Electricity Bills Get the VAT Jolt

The new Value Added Tax (VAT) has begun implementation on electricity consumption and various service fees affecting customers who use more than 200 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. Based on a directive from the Ministry of Finance, the tax will be applied to the excess amount of electricity consumption above 200 kilowatt hours. The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) began implementing the VAT on bills starting from November though both prepaid and postpaid customers will have to pay V...


Radar

Gadaa Bank Expands Reach, Faces Lending Constraints

Gadaa Bank closed its first full fiscal year of operations with a net profit of 90.2 million Br. The 18-month-old Bank held its annual general assembly at Millenium Hall on Africa Avenue last week where the board announced that during the year, the Bank opened 15 branches and now has 85 operational branches. “Due to recently enacted policy measures on credit by NBE and unmet resource mobilization during the fiscal year, the Bank was unable to make loan disbursements,” stated Wolde...


Radar

Oromia Bank's Branch Expansion Weighs on Profits

Oromia Bank reported a 47pc decline in net profit to take in 840.9 million Br for the past fiscal year. Interest income grew by 21pc to reach 7.19 billion Br while personnel expense grew by 36pc to hit 3.16 billion Br. The opening of 72 new branches, bringing the total to 575, led to a four percent growth of deposits to 56.4 billion Br. The profits are “unsatisfactory against our ambitious moves,” said Assefa Seme (PhD), board chairperson. “The deviation is primarily attributed to our aggr...