Bahrain Mirror: Bahrain's Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa Al-Hammadi stated that "there will be no allowance (aid) to compensate Bahrainis for the increase in oil prices," stressing that this decision will provide more than 56 million BD to cover and face the state budget deficit resulting from the drop in oil prices.

In response to the questions asked by reporters in a press conference, Al-Hammadi explained that the decision to raise oil prices was directly taken by the government. The government and parliament only discussed the principle of redirecting subsidies for the citizens in general.

When asked whether the government is going to lift subsidies on other commodities in the upcoming period, or announce them soon, the minister said: "The decisions taken during the last period were regarding a number of commodities and services whose subsidies the government had lifted," stressing that all indicators show a coming drop in oil prices or stable prices within this range. The prices; however, will not increase, thus all precautions should be taken."

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