23 July 2015
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales - ICAEW, has welcomed the new UAE oil price deregulation policy which aims to support the national economy, lower fuel consumption, protect the environment and preserve national resources.

Commenting on the new policy, Michael Armstrong, FCA and ICAEW Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), said: "Deregulating oil prices should support the national economy in the longer term whilst also helping consolidate government finances. The context - of sustained lower oil prices - means that the UAE has chosen the right period to adjust oil subsidies. As ICAEW's recent Economic Insight report noted, removing subsidies during a period of subdued global oil prices should mean the inflationary impact will be felt less sharply. The more so as consumer protection is a stated focus of the new fuel price committee.

"However, even though prices should not shift dramatically in the immediate future, the knowledge that households and businesses alike will no longer be isolated from global oil prices through government spending should influence behaviour. Households will start to think about how they can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels in case of future price hikes. Businesses will start to develop energy use strategies in case of market price rises. This policy should therefore incentivise reduced consumption - and thereby protect the environment and preserve natural resources - going forward." 

Media enquiries:
Contact Jamie Douglass, ICAEW press office, on +44 (0)20 7920 8718 or email James.Douglass@icaew.com 

Mutaz Albadri, Mojo PR, on +971 (0)50 570 6785 or email mutaz@mojo-me.com

Raw'a Al Shamaileh, Mojo PR, on +971 (0)55 155 5753 or email rawa@mojo-me.com

About ICAEW
ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports over 144,000 chartered accountants worldwide. We provide qualifications and professional development, share our knowledge, insight and technical expertise, and protect the quality and integrity of the accountancy and finance profession.

As leaders in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of individuals, organisations, communities and economies around the world.

Because of us, people can do business with confidence.

ICAEW is a founder member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and the Global Accounting Alliance.

© Press Release 2015