Subsidy Reforms: Lessons from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

Subsidy reforms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have concentrated on changing fuel prices and electricity tariffs. Conversely, food subsidy reforms have received less attention, reflecting the comparatively small fiscal cost of food subsidies and their high social sensitivity. While countries’ experiences have common characteristics, they differ in terms of preparation, scope of reform, and speed of adjustment. This rapid review looks at different types of pertinent literature – including reports issued by multilateral financial institutions that are usually major proponents of subsidy reforms (e.g. IMF and World Bank); international development agencies that are often interested in supporting the design and implementation of social protection schemes that will be complementary to subsidy reforms; relevant government agencies, as well as some academic publications.