The diesel fuel crisis in Egypt will be resolved in the next few days, said Social Solidarity and Justice Minister Gouda Abdel Khaleq following his phone calls with Petroleum Ministry officials concerning diesel fuel consumption in the local market.
In statements to the press, Abdel Khaleq said domestic production covers 75 percent of the country's consumption, with the rest being covered through imports.
Exploitation of the country's instability caused the crisis, Abdel Khaleq said.
Denying rumors that basic commodities were lacking, he said all basic food items would be available for purchase prior to the month of Ramadan, and that current stocks of wheat and basic commodities were sufficient to meet market demands.
Abdel Khaleq said that current wheat stocks amount to nearly 2.1 million tons, enough for domestic consumption, while 3 million additional tons would be imported to better meet demand.
He called on Egyptians to consider current economic conditions and increase their rates and quality of production accordingly in order to help the country get through the difficult economic environment.
Abdel Khaleq also asked people to decrease consumption, especially during the month of Ramadan, during which increased consumption contradict the spiritual purpose of fasting.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
