Lawmaker urges govt to face unprecedented rise in prices

Lawmaker urges govt to face unprecedented rise in prices

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: MP Khalil Al-Saleh called on the government on Monday to take speedy actions to face an unprecedented wave of price rises that began with the coronavirus pandemic and accelerated with the Russia-Ukraine war. The lawmaker called on the government to adopt a “comprehensive strategic plan” on the short and medium terms aimed at reducing the cost of living and producing commodities, in addition to providing services and storage.

He said the government plan must provide financial aid to families by raising the cost-of-living allowance, in addition to other measures. Saleh said the price rise wave comes amid real concerns about Kuwait’s food security, especially following the Russian war on Ukraine and decisions by several countries to stop exporting essential commodities, which is likely to trigger higher inflation and rises in prices.

The lawmaker stressed that the crisis threatens the living conditions of citizens amid government failure to act despite a huge rise in oil revenues. He also warned that continued increases in prices presents a national challenge, which requires the government to face it immediately.

Meanwhile, MP Khaled Al-Otaibi asked the minister of commerce and industry about reports saying the ministry plans to allow a massive increase in third-party vehicle