Türkiye Hikes Fuel Tax by 6%, Aims to Control Inflation

A girl sells flowers to passersby on the Karakoy sea promenade in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A girl sells flowers to passersby on the Karakoy sea promenade in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
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Türkiye Hikes Fuel Tax by 6%, Aims to Control Inflation

A girl sells flowers to passersby on the Karakoy sea promenade in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A girl sells flowers to passersby on the Karakoy sea promenade in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Türkiye imposed a 6% tax hike on fuel on Tuesday, after its finance minister said over the weekend that tax moves on fuel and tobacco would not affect the government's inflation goal.

The special consumption tax per liter for fuel has been increased by around 6%, according to a presidential decree in the Official Gazette, which publishes new legislation and official announcements.

The special consumption tax on fuel is adjusted every six months based on the producer price index. With the 5-month cumulative PPI since the last increase standing at 7.12%, the latest tax hike is below the index.

Authorities will announce an update on the PPI on Jan. 3, when it is widely expected to increase, Reuters reported.

Fuel taxes typically have a major impact on inflation.
But Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Sunday that tax hikes for fuel and tobacco in the New Year will be set in a way that does not affect the country's 2025 inflation outlook.
Turkish annual inflation stood at 47.1% in November, higher than expected but at its lowest level since mid-2023. A Reuters poll forecast that it will ease to 26.5% by end-2025, but higher than a central bank prediction of 21%.



Oman LNG Delivers First Shipment to Shell

A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
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Oman LNG Delivers First Shipment to Shell

A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)

Oman LNG on Tuesday announced the successful loading of its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo to Shell under its new long-term agreements, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its global market reach and reinforce Oman’s position as a leading LNG supplier.
According to Oman News Agency, the ceremonial event took place at Oman LNG’s state-of-the-art facility in Sur, under the auspices of Salim al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, alongside senior officials from Oman LNG and Shell.
Aufi, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of this milestone, saying, “Today’s shipment is not merely a delivery but a testament to Oman’s commitment to energy security, global collaboration, and sustainable economic growth. It also reflects the strong partnership between Oman LNG and Shell, built on mutual trust and a shared vision.”

Shell, as the largest offtaker under these new agreements, plays a pivotal role in Oman LNG’s strategic plans for sustained growth and market expansion.

Oman LNG’s CEO, Hamad al Naamany, highlighted the significance of this shipment, saying, “We are embarking on a 10-year concession extension with market leaders in LNG and energy. Our growth is aligned with Oman’s vision and adapted to the evolving global energy market demands. Our partnership with Shell continues to thrive, contributing to Oman’s economic diversification goals.”