Jordan has cancelled a third tranche of cash handouts set for payment this month to offset the end of energy subsidies. Recent oil price falls have eliminated the need, it says. The move will save Jordan around JD70mn ($99mn) from a total of JD210mn ($296mn) allocated for the full year.
After ending oil product subsidies in November 2012 (except LPG for domestic use), Amman pledged to compensate poor Jordanians with JD70 ($99) per person per year, with a maximum of six people per family (ie JD420), provided the latter’s annual income is less than JD10,000 ($14,100). According to official figures some 70% of Jordanians are eligible to benefit from the cash support. (CONTINUED - 213 WORDS)
