Budget pressure, opposition weigh heavy on Kuwait’s new subsidies law

The National Assembly on 26 April passed a long-awaited law to increase electricity and water charges – except, however, for Kuwaiti nationals. The law covers residential apartment blocks, which are mostly inhabited by expatriates, as well as the governmental, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. To promote more responsible electricity and water use, and reduce waste, the increased cost of utilities will vary depending on the rate of consumption.