TAX DISPUTE LEADS TO GAS SHORTAGE IN GAZA

Gaza, 16 Safar 1436/9 December 2014 (MINA) – A dispute between Gaza’s Ministry of Finance and the Palestinian Authority’s General Directorate of Petroleum has led to a gas shortage in the coastal territory, local unions said Tuesday.

The petroleum directorate has allegedly refused to provide gas stations with fuel to protest a four-shekel ($1) tax imposed by the finance ministry on every 12-kilogram gas container, head of the union of gas station owners Mahmoud al-Shawwa said, Ma’an News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“Palestinians suffer enough from the Israeli blockade and the summer offensive on Gaza and they should not also suffer the results of such disagreements,” he added.

Gaza requires 450-500 tons of gas daily to meet its needs. Israel currently provides around 200 tons per day, although that number can drop as low as 80 tons.

Gaza has not received domestic-use gas for two days due to the dispute.

Energy committee member Abu Muhammad al-Masharawi called on the national consensus government to solve the crisis before it affects livestock farms and homes.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine called for the additional tax to be canceled, saying it is “irrational” to make Gazans pay illegal taxes.

“It is a shame to raise signs and slogans in solidarity with Gazans but apply the complete opposite,” the group said in a statement.(T/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)