Oman's Shura committee on oil price impact chooses head, deputy

Muscat: Tawfiq bin Abul Hussain Al Lawati has been chosen as head of the Special Committee of the Shura Council for studying the effects of lower oil prices on the state’s budget and ways to resolve it.
The committee also chose Jamal bin Ahmad Al Abri as its deputy head, according to a press release by the Shura Council.
The panel is carrying out a study on steps the government is taking to confront the slump in oil prices on world markets, its consequences on the budget and options the government can take into account should oil prices fall below $20.
Besides considering unifying the views and opinions of the Shura Council regarding the steps the government is taking to confront the current economic crisis, the committee will prepare a vision about the work of government services in order to simplify procedures for citizens and investors.
This will support the development and diversification of the economy. The Committee will also find solutions to boost the satisfaction of job seekers and study ways to support a steady income following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The Shura Council expects the Committee to present the results of its study and proposals three months after commencing the work, the press release said.