Presenter: Olivier Basdevant - Senior Economist, Robert Tchaidze - Senior Economist
Middle East and Central Asia Department
The presentation discusses why energy prices have been kept artificially low—a phenomenon very common in Arab countries—and highlights the resulting economic inefficiencies and fiscal costs. While initial steps have already been taken, time is now right for comprehensive energy price reforms, based on lessons from international experience. Moving now, in the context of low international oil prices, would address adjustment needs in oil exporters and create fiscal space for productive spending, especially in oil importers.
Moderator: Angham Al Shami
Communications Department