The Magnitude and Distribution of Fuel Subsidies: Evidence from Bolivia, Ghana, Jordan, Mali, and Sri Lanka

Robert Gillingham, David Newhouse, David Coady, Kangni Kpodar, Moataz El-Said and Paulo Medas

No 2006/247, IMF Working Papers from International Monetary Fund

Abstract: With the recent jump in world oil prices, the issue of petroleum product pricing has become increasingly important in developing countries. Reflecting a reluctance of many governments to pass these price increases onto energy users, energy price subsidies are absorbing an increasing share of scarce public resources. This paper identifies the issues that need to be discussed when analyzing the fiscal and social costs of fuel subsidies. Using examples from analyses recently undertaken for five countries, it also identifies the magnitude of consumer subsidies and their fiscal implications. The results of the analysis show that-in all of these countries-energy subsidies have significant social and fiscal costs and are badly targeted.

Keywords: WP; fuel price; petroleum products; price rise; formula price; oil price (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 37
Date: 2006-11-01
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (81)

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Working Paper: The Magnitude and Distribution of Fuel Subsidies: Evidence from Bolivia, Ghana, Jordan, Mali, and Sri Lanka (2006)
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