In the current budget were you expecting such strong measures from the government like cutting of subsidies and rise in services fee?

Zaid al Balushi Model
I knew the government would be introducing some austerity measures to deal with the economic downturn. But I was not expecting the removal of subsidy on fuel. I think it will affect a lot of people like me who need to travel long distances for work. Rise in fuel prices would also increase the price of commodities.

Waheed al Balushi Manager
The market has been witnessing a slowdown for some months now. In this scenario I was expecting the government to cut expenditure. People should realise that these are difficult times and one can cope with the situation only with certain tough measures.

Riyadh Shahdad Senior flight attendant
Everyone knows that the government is going through a tough phase but I feel that removal of fuel subsidy should have been the last resort. But this is not the time to criticise. We should support the government so that it can get through this rough patch.

Meer Majeed Hayatan Engineer
Yes because the falling oil prices have affected government's coffers. The government needs to act now before things go out of control. We need to look within and be prepared to cut down on expenditure.

Yaseen Meer Model
I am not sure how much the government can save by removing the fuel subsidy. It should have tried some other measures like imposing tax on expatriates or charges on remittances.

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Do you think it is fair to expect the private sector to implement the 3% increment rule during economic slowdown?

Amaal al Lawati Corporate communications manager
Though I sympathise with the government I don't think it is fair that employees pay the price. The current economic situation is due to fall in oil prices and the government is taking certain measures to restructure the economy. But it should not affect an employee's right to get increments.

Abhishek Raj Private sector employee
No I don't think it is the right time to ask or expect organisations to give any increments. We must understand the current economic situation and stop complaining. A country prospers when its people cooperate.

Omar Abdullah Businessman
Oman is witnessing an economic slump like most countries in the GCC. And companies across the region are moving away from paying increments. Even banks are reluctant to give loans. I think it would be a smart move by companies to hold back increments for some time.

Abhirup Roy Sales executive
No. The three per cent increment will add up to thousands and maybe millions of Omani rials. The entire region is taking every possible step to cut expenditure and so companies in Oman too should tighten their belts.

Lubna al Kindi Businesswoman
I think that private companies must stay away from increments for some time because our country is facing an economic slowdown. However I must add that it is high time that Oman reduces its dependence on oil and looks at other options for revenues.

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How will the proposed hike in fuel prices municipal and ministry services and car registration fees affect your monthly budget?

Salman Suhail Private sector employee
The proposed hikes will definitely hit people's budgets but it's difficult to comment by how much. The fall in oil prices are affecting all sectors which means that the cost of living is bound to rise.

Mahir Ghulam Mohammed Private sector employee
The proposed hike in fuel price will surely burn a hole in people's pockets since their monthly income will remain the same. The hike in service fees will also impact wallets. But it all depends on how much the increase will be.

Adil Wali Mohammed Businessman
The proposed hike in oil prices and other government services are sure to affect monthly expenditures and savings. Some GCC countries have hiked fuel prices as part of austerity measures. But they have also increased certain allowances to citizens as relief. I hope Oman too considers such a move.

E B Padma Kumar Private sector employee
The proposed hike in oil prices will increase transport expenses of the general public in a big way. Many families in Oman have more than one vehicle. The cost of living too will rise.

Haitham al Balushi Bank employee
Hike in fuel prices and government services fee will affect lives of people in a big way as the monthly salaries are not going to change. It will take some time before people adjust to these measures.

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Do you think the cost of living will increase (Rise in prices of essential items transportation etc) once the austerity measures are implemented?

Ammar Ali Bank employee
Yes the cost of living will definitely increase once these measures are implemented. But I hope authorities regulate the prices of essential goods and ensure that they don't soar.

Alawi Almashoor Baomar Student
Demand for fuel is high in Oman because it lacks public transport. Removal of subsidies will increase the cost of living. It will also affect prices of other commodities and services.

Abdullah Khamis al Manai Government employee
I don't think the cost of living will increase too much. I think the measures announced by the government are just meant to restructure the economy. Moreover these measures have been announced for the benefit of the country.

Hassan Mubarak al Balushi Businessman
Yes once the government measures come into effect I am sure a lot of businesses will also find it tough to survive as their logistics and operations costs will increase.