Gaza: Gasoline and licensing overhauls ease public burden at expense of the government
PNN
(Gaza City) Wisam Afifeh
Wednesday, 20 September 2006
The Palestinian Ministry of Transport issued a draft to the Council of Ministers
for a new system that uses a less expensive form of gas as auto fuel.
Although specifics are currently unavailable, the price at the pumps is expected
to drop significantly compared to the cost incurred by using the standard gas of
conventional cars.
Transport Minister, Said Al Din Khurma, issued a press statement indicating that
additional amendments will be made to the Executive Traffic Law, to be
implemented at year’s end.
Once the Council of Ministers approves the amendments, licensing fees for cars
and garages will be reduced by 50 percent. Periods of valid registration for
older vehicles will be extended. The changes that are underway have been in the
works since the Hamas party came into office, aiming to ease the citizens’
economic burden.
The cost to the Government’s 2007 budget for implementing the changes is 294.5
million NIS, or approximately 71 million USD, the Transport Minister said.
Media outlets, the fishing industry, and projects in the infrastructure, such as
sewage, are all receiving overhauls in licensing, maintenance and assistance in
hopes of easing the public’s burden to the tune of eight million USD in
government expenditure.