Oil Rout Means Fewer Freebies in GCC as Subsidies Are Cut
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Gulf Arabs are gradually losing perks from free water to cheap fuel as governments hit by the slump in crude prices trim their budgets.
Kuwait, Oman and Abu Dhabi reduced subsidies on diesel, natural gas and utilities this month. The plunge on oil markets has added to pressure on the region’s rulers to implement spending cuts proposed before the drop. Countries in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council have used subsidies to mollify citizens and keep unrest at bay.