Sudan finance minister says oil price drop Western conspiracy

March 21, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — A senior Sudanese official today accused major superpowers of causing the steep decline in oil prices.

The Sudanese finance and national economy minister Awad Al-Jaz speaking to retirees of the tax department said that his government is facing the international targeting for oil suppliers by enhancing the collection of tax levies.

“The state moved after the global crisis to the tax department cover for the shortfall” Al-Jaz said.

“There was hope after the oil prices went up but now it is in the tax department to correct any deficit” he added.

Sudan is heavily dependent on oil exports but as crude prices fell due to worldwide recession officials there called for shifted focus on other sectors including agriculture and industry as well as improving the efficiency of tax and customs collection.

Al-Jaz said that his ministry is aware of the “intimidation and temptation” faced b the tax officers during their course of duty and noted that giving away money is not something that people like to do.

“I hope that you will fill the pockets of the state” he added.

Sudan’s 2009 budget introduced tax hikes including duties on imported vehicles and indirect taxes on telecom services to make up for falling oil prices.

However last month the Sudanese deputy finance minister Al-Tayib Abu-Gnaya told lawmakers that oil revenue has declined since January and that no proceeds will be left over until April.

(ST)