After backtracking on the decision to restrict import and export operations to banking channels, Mohammed Al-Huwaij has returned to announce the start of implementing what he called an “indicative import budget,” in coordination with the Central Bank, aimed at setting import priorities.
The stark irony is that these measures were only brought up after the dollar spiraled out of control, nearing 9 dinars in cash and 10 dinars by check. Only then did he suddenly decide to set commodity prices—despite having held office since the launch of the Government of National Unity and remaining silent for a long time amid the chaos.
With the formation of a new government approaching, Al-Huwaij is now moving belatedly with a series of improvised decisions, in an attempt to contain a crisis that erupted under his watch—one whose heavy cost has been borne by citizens. This has raised major questions about the timing of this “awakening” and the limits of its effectiveness.
Al-Huwaij also spoke of activating the Price Balance Fund—a fund on which millions of dinars have been spent over the years without any tangible impact or real role in the western region—leaving its name present in budgets but absent from reality and markets.
The announcement of its activation comes late and at a timing that arouses suspicion, prompting legitimate questions about the fate of the funds that were spent, who benefited from them, and why the fund was not activated until after the crisis had worsened and prices had reached unprecedented levels.
