Algeria Plans Fuel Price, Tax Hike to Offset Fall in Energy Revenues

The government also plans to raise taxes and introduce new levies on local and imported goods such as tobacco next year as it seeks to diversify revenues from the economy due to a sharp fall in energy earnings, the document shows.

Energy revenues have fallen by more than half since crude oil prices started sliding in mid-2014, forcing the OPEC member to consider reforms, including reductions in subsidies.

Oil and gas comprise 60 percent of the budget and 95 percent of total exports for the North African country, which has so far failed to develop its non-hydrocarbon sector due to bureaucratic obstacles and lack of investment.

The government in 2016 approved a first rise in more than a decade for gasoline and diesel prices.

Under the new plan, the retail price for premium gasoline, unleaded gasoline and regular gasoline will rise by 16.65 percent, 16.84 percent and 18.20 percent per litre respectively, while the diesel price is set to go up by 11.65 percent in 2018.
The fuel price rises need approval by parliament, where government supporters have an overwhelming majority.

Authorities say that subsidies for basic products such as cereals, sugar and cooking oil will be maintained.

Domestic prices for energy products are very low by international standards. Unleaded gasoline costs now 35.33 dinars (31 U.S. cents) per litre.

"This gradual approach of the adjustment of fuel prices is aimed at rationalising consumption, reducing imports, increasing tax revenue and reducing subsidies," said the document.

The gasoline and diesel price hikes will be accompanied by new and higher taxes for several products next year, it added.

Taxes on tobacco would increase by 10 percent, while levies for instant coffee, LED torches, almonds and all dried fruits are set to reach 30 percent from 5 percent currently.

Algeria plans also for the first time a wealth tax that will affect 90 percent of Algerians, according to the government.