Energy subsidy reform for growth and equity in Egypt: The approach matters

Clemens Breisinger (), Askar Mukashov, Mariam Raouf and Manfred Wiebelt ()

Open Access Publications from Kiel Institute for the World Economy from Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel)

Abstract: Phasing out energy subsidies is high on the agenda of policymakers in several Middle Eastern and North African countries. The impact of such reform can vary widely depending on the country and policy. This paper contributes to the existing literature by examining the phasing out of energy subsidies in Egypt under alternative economic scenarios. In particular, we consider Egypt's short- and long-term economic adjustment under different assumptions on labor market flexibility, spending options of subsidy savings, and alternative social protection measures. Results from economy-wide model simulations suggest that energy subsidy cuts may hamper economic growth in the short term, but depending on the policy measure, will improve growth perspectives and household welfare in the longer term. Yet, findings also point to likely adverse impacts of the reform on household consumption in the short and longer run. To counteract such negative impacts, targeted social protection measures should be continued and scaled up in parallel with the phasing out of energy subsidies.

Keywords: Economic development; Poverty; Energy subsidies; Social protection; Computable general equilibrium model; Egypt (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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Journal Article: Energy subsidy reform for growth and equity in Egypt: The approach matters (2019)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:ifwkie:261844

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.02.059

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