SOCIAL PROTECTION & JOBS DISCUSSION PAPER No. 2211 | SEPTEMBER 2022 Tracking Global Social Protection Responses to Price Shocks Living paper v.3 (September 23, 2022) Ugo Gentilini, Mohamed Almenfi, Hrishikesh TMM Iyengar, Yuko Okamura, Emilio Raul Urteaga, Giorgia Valleriani, Jimmy Vulembera Muhindo, and Sheraz Aziz © 2022 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: +1 (202) 473 1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. 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Abstract retro geometric background: © iStock.com/marigold_88 Project 41595 Tracking Global Social Protection Responses to Price Shocks Living paper v.3 (September 23, 2022) Ugo Gentilini, Mohamed Almenfi, Hrishikesh TMM Iyengar, Yuko Okamura, Emilio Raul Urteaga, Giorgia Valleriani, and Sheraz Aziz This team is grateful to Michal Rutkowski for his precious guidance, and to William Wiseman and Colin Andrews for peer review comments. This version benefited enormously from contributions by Ahmed Tawfick Rostom, Avirup Sarkar, Chipo Msowoya, Cristian Camilo Sanin Camargo, Danilo Smolovic, Defne Gencer, Emma Hobson, Franco Russo, Haleem Al Kazali, John Van Dyck, Jordi Gallego, Laura Bermeo, Luz Stella Rodriguez, Mack Capehart Mulbah, Matthew Dornan, Michele Zini, Miriam Montenegro, Muderis Abdullahi Mohammed, Pablo Ariel Acosta, Payman Amin, Rada Nawwaf, Nafe Naji, Raquel Kimie Pereira De Sousa Tsukada, Pamela Dale, Santiago De la Cadena Becerra, Sarika Gupta, Snjez Plevko, Mitja Del Bono, Stevan Stanisic, Steisianasari Mileiva, Ubah Thomas Ubah, Vincenzo Vinci, and Yasuhiro Kawasoe. Views are only those of the authors. For more information, inquiries, and feedback, please contact ugentilini@worldbank.org and malmenfi@worldbank.org. i Abstract Between July and September 2022, the number of social protection and other related measures announced or implemented in response to inflation rose by about 62%. The latest tally includes 609 responses across 158 economies. Subsidies claim 36% of such measures and take four main forms (fuel, food, fertilizers, and various fee subsidies). Social assistance accounts for 24% of responses, 76% of which is provided in the form of cash transfers. Social protection programs cover, or are planning to do so, 900.1 million people. Based on 196 programs with available data in 90 countries or territories, a total of $328.2 billion is being invested in social protection responses. This involves an average country spending of 0.8% of GDP. The average size of social assistance transfers represents about one-fifth of daily median income. Over half (52%) of transfers are new and are provided on a one-off basis as opposed to monthly installments. Tax and trade-related measures account for 22% and 12% of global responses, respectively. Active labor market policies and social insurance claim a share of 4% each. ii About this tracker This note provides an update on social protection and other related responses to the food, fuel, fertilizer, and other price shocks sparked or accelerated by the Ukraine war. Although some of these measures to mitigate the increase in prices started in late 2021, the vast majority of them were introduced between early and mid-2022. This discussion paper complements other two ongoing thematic trackers of global, regional and country-level action on how social protection is being leveraged in crises – one on Covid- 19 responses (16 versions) and another on displaced population due to the Ukraine war (4 versions). As for the above-mentioned trackers, the issuance of subsequent versions would hinge on the number of responses observed at the economy level. The current note tracks six broad measures, namely social assistance, social insurance, labor markets, trade-related measures, subsidies, and tax measures. Subsidies include five subcategories, i.e., fuel, food, fertilizers and agriculture inputs, and fee subsidies. The tracker captures fiscal and (some) monetary policies announced or implemented to reduce the impact of inflation on consumers. For instance, (unconventional) monetary policies that provide direct transfers or tax relief to the population are part of the stocktaking, while (conventional) monetary measures in terms of interest rates or assistance to firms are excluded. Information on remittances is not included given that the tracker only captures government responses. Data and analysis are preliminary, and meant to elicit comments, additions, integration, and revisions to be incorporated in the next living paper versions. To this effect, continuous monitoring of data and responses is ongoing. Information sources for reported measures are provided as weblinks. Suggestions on materials and measures to be included in future updates are welcome and could be signaled to the team directly. To ease reference, previous versions of the tracker can be found here: • Tracking Global Social Protection Responses to Price Shocks (version 1) • Tracking Global Social Protection Responses to Price Shocks (version.2) iii Table of contents Directory: quick links to economy-specific measures................................................................ 1 Executive summary....................................................................................................................... 2 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 4 2. Overview of key performance metrics .................................................................................... 6 Spending………………………………………………………………………………………...6 Coverage………………………………………………………………………………………...8 Adequacy and duration………………………………………………………………………...12 3. Subsidies................................................................................................................................... 13 Fuel subsidies………………………………………………………………………………….15 Food subsidies…………………………………………………………………………………16 Fertilizer subsidies……………………………………………………………………………..17 Fee subsidies…………………………………………………………………………………...18 4. Social assistance ...................................................................................................................... 21 Cash transfers………………………………………………………………………………….,21 In-kind transfers………………………………………………………………………………..22 Social pensions………………………………………………………………………………...23 Public works…………………………………………………………………………………...23 5. Social insurance....................................................................................................................... 24 6. Active labor market and economic inclusion programs ...................................................... 25 7. Trade measures ....................................................................................................................... 26 Export/import restrictions……………………………………………………………………...26 Import/export easing…………………………………………………………………………...27 8. Tax measures ........................................................................................................................... 27 Direct taxes…………………………………………………………………………………….27 Indirect taxes…………………………………………………………………………………...28 Annex 1. Regional responses ...................................................................................................... 31 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)……………………………………………………………………..31 iv East Asia and Pacific (EAP)…………………………………………………………………...34 Europe and Central Asia (ECA)……………………………………………………………….36 Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)……………………………………………………...40 Middle East and North Africa (MENA)……………………………………………………….42 North America (NA)…………………………………………………………………………...45 South Asia (SAR)……………………………………………………………………………...47 Annex 2. Classification of measures .......................................................................................... 49 Annex 3. Coverage methodology ............................................................................................... 52 Annex 4. Social assistance and subsidies: descriptive statistics .............................................. 53 Annex 5. Coverage of top 10 CT programs .............................................................................. 56 Annex 6. Spending ..................................................................................................................... 57 Annex 7. Regional and income level average spending as a share of GDP............................ 60 Annex 8. Methodology for adequacy calculation ..................................................................... 63 Annex 9. Adaptations of cash transfer measures ..................................................................... 64 Annex 10. Classification of trade measures, by restrictions type ........................................... 65 Annex 11. Measures by countries and territories .................................................................... 69 Sources and endnotes................................................................................................................ 410 v Directory: quick links to economy-specific measures 1. Afghanistan 39. Curaçao 78. Jamaica 120. Portugal 2. Albania 40. Cyprus 79. Japan 121. Qatar 3. Algeria 41. Czech 80. Jordan 122. Réunion (France) 4. Andorra Republic 81. Kazakhstan 123. Romania 5. Angola 42. Denmark 82. Kenya 124. Rwanda 6. Anguilla (UK) 43. Djibouti 83. Kosovo 125. Saudi Arabia 7. Antigua and 44. Dominica 84. Kuwait 126. Senegal Barbuda 45. Dominican 85. Kyrgyz Republic 127. Serbia 8. Argentina Republic 86. Latvia 128. Sierra Leone 9. Aruba 46. Ecuador 87. Lebanon 129. Singapore 10. Australia 47. Egypt 88. Lesotho 130. Slovakia 11. Austria 48. El Salvador 89. Liberia 131. Slovenia 12. Azerbaijan 49. Eritrea 90. Libya 132. Somalia 13. Bahrain 50. Estonia 91. Lithuania 133. South Africa 14. Bangladesh 51. Eswatini 92. Macao 134. South Korea 15. Barbados 52. Ethiopia 93. Madagascar 135. Spain 16. Belarus 53. Fiji 94. Malawi 136. Sri Lanka 17. Belgium 54. Finland 95. Malaysia 137. St. Vincent and the 18. Belize 55. France 96. Mali Grenadines 19. Benin 56. Gabon 97. Malta 138. Sudan 20. Bosnia and 57. Gambia 98. Mauritania 139. Suriname Herzegovina 58. Georgia 99. Mauritius 140. Sweden 21. Botswana 59. Germany 100. Mexico 141. Syria 22. Brazil 60. Ghana 101. Moldova 142. Taiwan 23. British Virgin 61. Greece 102. Montenegro 143. Tajikistan Islands 62. Grenada 103. Morocco 144. Tanzania 24. Bulgaria 63. Guatemala 104. Mozambique 145. Thailand 25. Burkina Faso 64. Guinea 105. Namibia 146. Togo 26. Cameroon 65. Guinea- 106. Netherlands 147. Tunisia 27. Canada Bissau 107. New Zealand 148. Turkey 28. Cape Verde 66. Guyana 108. Nicaragua 149. Turkmenistan 29. Chad 67. Honduras 109. Niger 150. Uganda 30. Chile 68. Hong Kong 110. Nigeria 151. United Arab Emirates 31. China 69. Hungary 111. North Macedonia 152. United Kingdom 32. Colombia 70. Iceland 112. Norway 153. United States 33. Comoros 71. India 113. Oman 154. Uruguay 34. Congo, Dem. 72. Indonesia 114. Pakistan 155. Uzbekistan Rep. 73. Iran 115. Panama 156. Vietnam 35. Congo, Rep. 74. Iraq 116. Paraguay 157. Zambia 36. Costa Rica 75. Ireland 117. Peru 158. Zimbabwe 37. Côte d'Ivoire 76. Israel 118. Philippines 38. Croatia 77. Italy 119. Poland 1 Executive summary Currently, a total of 609 social protection and related measures to counter inflation are announced or implemented across 158 economies. This represents a growth in programs by 62% since July 2022 and almost a threefold increase since April. Subsidies are the most common measure, claiming 36% of social protection responses to inflation. There are at least four types of subsidy programs, including related to fuel, food, fertilizers, and various forms of fees. The latter subsidies are the most used form (39% of total subsidies); about 47% of such fee subsidies concern utility bills discount. Fuel, food, and agricultural inputs account for 31%, 20% and 11% of total subsidies, respectively. Social assistance accounts for almost a quarter of responses, 76% of which is provided in the form of cash transfers. Unconditional cash transfers are reaching large shares of the population in select countries, such as 90% in Iran, 52% in Poland, 48% in Italy and 38% in Pakistan. In-kind transfers include energy and fertilizer coupons (e.g., Croatia and Mauritius) and vouchers (e.g., France and Romania). Other programs include school feeding (e.g., Cape Verde), social pensions (e.g., Poland and France), and public works (e.g., Malawi and Niger, which expanded pre-crisis programs horizontally). Tax-related measures account for 22% of the global response to high prices with 134 measures across 71 economies. Most of the tax responses (87%) pertain to indirect taxes (e.g., VAT) and the remaining relate to direct taxes (e.g., income tax). These measures relate to some forms of adaptation, such as exemption of tax, reduction of tax, tax rebate, increase in the base/bar for tax-free allowance (i.e., increase in the tax exemption limit), deferral of payment, and suspension of annual indexation. Trade measures represent 10% of total responses and are implemented in 44 economies. These measures mostly reflect import/export restrictions (84%), mainly focused on food items. A slimmer share involves restrictions on the export of livestock, animal feed and fertilizers. Active labor market policies and social insurance account for 4% each. Most activation programs (present in 17 countries) relate to wage increases (i.e., minimum wage and public sector wage increases), especially in high and upper-middle income countries. Select countries are increasing old-age pensions (e.g., Egypt) and reducing insurance contributions (e.g., UK and France). Both universal and targeted programs were widely used during the crisis. Most programs are provided on a targeted basis (57% of total measures). A wider share of universal programs (mostly taxes and subsidies) is found in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa (with the lowest levels recorded in South Asia). Two countries (Germany and Portugal) offered universal social assistance benefits. Social protection programs have or are planning to cover 900.1 million people. Such a number includes the program with the highest coverage per country (irrespective of whether it is a subsidy or social assistance intervention). Disaggregated data by measure shows that subsidies reach nearly 329.5 million people, while social assistance covers 722.5 million individuals. Among social assistance programs, cash transfers reach 622.6 million individuals in 36 countries. 2 Based on 90 countries or territories with available data, a total of $328.2 billion is being invested in social protection responses. Most spending is directed to subsidies ($133.3 billion), followed by social assistance ($126.7 billion) and tax measures ($47.7 billion). A total of $14.1 billion and $6.5 billion were dedicated to social insurance and the labor market, respectively. The size of social assistance transfers represents about one-fifth of median income. In terms of adequacy of support, social assistance transfers account for a higher portion of average median daily income (22%) compared to subsidies (12%). Information on adequacy is available only for 20% of total measures. Most transfers take the form of one-off payments (52%, or 76 out of 146 programs with data) compared to monthly instalments (38%, or 56 programs out of 146 measures with data). Daily, bi- monthly, quarterly, and yearly account for 10% of the total measures with data combined. 3 1. Introduction This tracker provides a third update on inflation-related social protection measures put in place globally. As of September 2, 2022, a total of 158 economies announced or implemented 609 measures in response to soaring prices of food, fuel, fertilizers, and other items.1 This represents a 62% increase in the number of interventions – and a 31% rise in the number of economies with reported responses – since July 21, 2022 (version 2 of the tracker). Subsidies, such as fee and fuel subsidies, remain the most widely used instrument, constituting 36% of the total response. Next, social assistance programs, such as cash and in- kind transfers, and tax measures, like VAT and income taxes, represent 24% and 22% of the response, respectively. Trade-related measures, including export restrictions, account for 10% of the total response. Finally, social insurance and labor market measures account for a combined 8% of responses (Table 1). Table 1. Number of measures and economies Measures (share of Component Economies total) Subsidies 219 (36%) 110 Social assistance 148 (24%) 69 Tax measures 134 (22%) 71 Trade-related measures 61 (10%) 44 Social insurance 24 (4%) 18 Labor market programs 23 (4%) 17 Grand total 609 158 While some economies already started mitigating inflation in late 2021, the vast majority of social protection measures were announced after the start of the Ukraine conflict (Figure 1). A total of 206 responses were recorded in March 2022, followed by a steep reduction over the ensuing months. Figure 1. Evolution of social protection measures in response to inflation Ukraine Crisis: 24 February 2022 200 206 200 158.4 158.1 Number of measures announced 154.7 141.2 140.7 138.0 150 133.2 135.3 133.7 135.6 124.6 128.0 129.2 159.7 150 Price index 100 100 81 83 69 36 50 50 32 33 24 7 13 1 1 5 4 0 0 Jul-21 Aug-21 Sep-21 Oct-21 Nov-21 Dec-21 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Aug-22 Number of measures announced Food Price index (FAO) Note: FAO’s food price index (2014-16 =100) In terms of response composition across regions and income groups, only one region – North America – is significantly below the global average of 36% in terms of subsidy response, while Europe and Central 4 Asia and South Asia are slightly below the regional averages (Figure 2). In contrast, nearly half of East Asia and Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa’s responses are based on subsidies. Notably, South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa's trade-related measures are largely above the global average (10%), whereas almost one-third of Latin America’s response focused on tax-related measures. Social assistance share is consistent among different regions ranging between 20-25% of global response except for North America (more than half of the response) and South Asia (significantly less than the global average). LMICs economies also implemented the highest share of subsidies (44%), while UMICs’ share of their subsidy response was lower compared to the global average (Figure 3). Figure 2. Composition of global social protection responses by region 100% 8% 14% 90% 21% 20% 22% 10% 24% 24% 30% 80% 10% 10% 24% 5% 10% 70% 8% 4% 5% 5% 28% 4% 4% 4% 60% 26% 7% 3% 4% 22% 50% 4% 24% 22% 22% 0% 25% 40% 52% 16% 30% 47% 46% 20% 37% 36% 32% 36% 31% 10% 14% 0% AFR (n=44) EAP (n=15) ECA (n=45) LAC (n=30) MNA (n=18) North SAR (n=5) Global America (n=2) Average (n=159) Subsidies Social assistance Social insurance Labor market programs Trade related measures Tax measures Note: “N” represents number of countries or economies in the database. 5 Figure 3. Composition of global social protection responses by country income group 100% 14% 90% 23% 21% 22% 29% 80% 1% 23% 5% 10% 70% 8% 2% 0% 6% 4% 1% 16% 4% 60% 30% 18% 4% 50% 4% 30% 24% 40% 17% 30% 20% 44% 37% 36% 36% 30% 10% 0% LIC (n=22) LMIC (n=40) UMIC (n=44) HIC (n=53) Global Average (n=159) Subsidies Social assistance Social insurance Labor market programs Trade related measures Tax measures Note: “N” represents number of countries or economies in the database. 2. Overview of key performance metrics Available information on key performance indicators, such as coverage and spending, varies by intervention. This is an important caveat to the analysis, hence the relative magnitude across social assistance and subsidies, for instance, should be interpreted with caution. The Venn diagram below (Figure 4) shows the number of programs with available information across those main interventions. Figure 4. Overview of coverage and expenditure information Spending Data on social protection and labor spending is available for only 32% of measures (196 out of 609 responses). Economies, with available information, invested over $328.2 billion in such interventions (Table 2). Spending on subsidies amounts to $133.3 billion, while $126.7 billion is invested in social assistance. Almost 86% of social assistance investment was spent on cash transfers ($109 billion). The remaining 14% ($17.6 billion) of social assistance spending was devoted to in-kind transfers ($11.1 6 billion), social pensions ($6.4 billion), and public works ($112 million). Tax-related measures account for 14.5% of total spending ($47.7 billion). The vast majority of this spending (81%) is focused on indirect taxes, such as VAT and exercise duty, while only 19% is directed at direct taxes, such as income and property taxes. Labor market and social insurance have a small share given the lack of available spending data.2 In terms of income groups, HICs and LICs are allocating more financial resources to social assistance than subsidies (Figure 5). For instance, LICs allocated $3.3 billion on social assistance and $612 million on subsidies. Both LMICs and UMICs are allocating more resources to subsidies vis- à-vis social assistance. In terms of spending as percentage of GDP, data for 90 countries spent shows an average investment of 0.8% of GDP. Spending ranges from 0.12% of GDP in North America to 1.78% in MENA – and from 0.62% in HICs to 1% of GDP in LMICs. Spending on subsidies accounts for an average of 0.59% of GDP, slightly higher than the 0.46% of GDP devoted to social assistance. See Annex 7 for multiple graphs by regions and country income levels. Table 2. Social protection and labor spending by income group and region ($ million) Social Social insurance Labor market Subsidies Tax measures Grand Total Income/region assistance (n=5) programs (n=3) (n=81) (n=29) (n=196) (n=measures) (n=78) LIC (19) 3,292 612 13 3,916 LMIC (40) 7,687 12,177 63,606 64 83,534 UMIC (39) 28,703 4 4,900 30,045 4,179 67,830 HIC (98) 87,019 1,914 1,556 39,005 43,410 172,904 AFR (39) 1,584 15,850 471 17,904 EAP (22) 13,906 6,444 22,470 94 42,913 ECA (87) 62,274 1,914 12 30,930 42,685 137,815 LAC (20) 17,740 4 9,599 3,225 30,568 MNA (13) 17,377 12,177 10,195 39,749 North America (11) 13,649 1,190 14,839 SAR (4) 172 44,225 44,397 Grand Total (196) 126,701 14,095 6,456 133,268 47,665 328,185 Note: All non-USD spending information is converted using normal exchange rates (national Currency per U.S. Dollar, period average); rates were for December 2021 (source: IMF International Financial Statistics database). N = number of measures for which data on spending is available. 7 Figure 5. Social protection spending by income groups and regions (n = 196 programs) 200,000 180,000 160,000 43,410 140,000 SPENDING ($ MILLION) 120,000 42,685 39,005 100,000 64 1,556 1,914 80,000 30,930 4,179 1,914 60,000 63,606 30,045 40,000 87,019 94 4,900 22,470 62,274 10,195 13 9,599 12,177 44,225 20,000 471 4 612 12,177 28,703 4 1,190 15,850 13,906 17,740 17,377 13,649 0 3,292 7,687 1,584 172 LIC (19) LMIC (40) UMIC (39) HIC (98) AFR (39) EAP (22) ECA (87) LAC (20) MNA (13) North SAR (4) America (11) Social assistance (n=78) Social insurance (n=5) Labor market programs (n=3) Subsidies (n=81) Tax measures (n=29) Note: n= number of measures for which data on expenditure is available. Coverage In terms of coverage data, the relevant information is available for 64 economies. Social protection programs have or are planning to cover 900.1 million people across the globe. To avoid double counting of beneficiaries participating in multiple interventions, country-level estimates are conservatively obtained by only considering the program of highest coverage (see Annex 3 for full methodology). Disaggregated data by measure shows that social assistance covers 722.5 million individuals in 44 countries.3 Among social assistance programs, cash transfers reach 622.6 million individuals (86% of social assistance coverage) in 36 countries (see Annex 4). Subsidies reach nearly 329.5 million people in 26 countries with available coverage data,4 while tax measures, labor market and social insurance policy reach 153.4 million (in 5 countries), 3.3 million (2 countries), and 3.8 million people (4 countries), respectively. As mentioned in box 1, these estimates should be interpreted cautiously as data for social assistance tends to dwarf information on food subsidies. On average, subsidies cover more than one-third (36%) of the population (Figure 6). In some cases, those interventions were expanded on a universal or quasi-universal basis: for example, Hong Kong is supporting 2.8 million households (100% of the population) with an electricity subsidy of HK$1,000 ($128) in instalments starting from June. In the UK, the government is providing a package of support worth £9.1 billion ($12.5 billion) from 2022 to 2023 which includes the Energy Bills Support Scheme to over 28 million households (98% of the population). Through the scheme, domestic electricity customers will receive a GBP400 ($550) reduction in their electricity costs from October 2022. Out of the 26 subsidy programs with available coverage data, 14 are new measures (those with an asterisk in figure 6) while the rest have scaled up the existing schemes. 8 Figure 6. Coverage of subsidies (% of population) Electricity subsidy (Cyprus) 100% HK$1,000 electricity subsidy (Hong Kong)* 100% Energy Bills Support Scheme (United Kingdom)* 98% One-off S$100 Household Utilities Credit (Singapore)* 69% Energy price subsidy (Estonia) 66% Energy bills general system charges reduction (Italy) 49% HIC Average 43% HICs Fuel and power subsidies (Sweden) 42% Fuel Allowance for Employees (France) 40% Social tariff for energy (Belgium) 16% Tarifa Social de Energia Eléctrica - Gas Bottles (Portugal)* 7% Government loan holidays. (Poland)* 5% Heating costs subsidy (Lithuania) 4% Housing rent subsidy program (Taiwan) 2% Scholarship programs (Spain) 2% Electricity bills compensation (Romania)* 83% Electricity support subsidy (Jamaica)* 47% UMIC Average UMICs 32% Readecuación de Subsidios (Argentina) 29% Energy bill discount (North Macedonia) 1% Farmers subsidies (Azerbaijan)* 0% Electricity and heating compensation (Moldova) 99% Ehsaas Riyayat Ration Scheme (Pakistan)* 62% LMIC Average 34% LMICs Special food subsidy program (Bangladesh)* 6% Emergency agricultural programme (Senegal)* 5% Land Bank (Philippines)* 0% African Risk Capacity (ARC) project (Mali)* 15% LICs LIC Average 8% Boosting food production program (Sierra Leone)* 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Coverage (as % of population) Note: * = new program new program. Coverage rates refer to planned values. A value of “0” indicates coverage rates less than 1%. Social assistance programs reach, on average, 25% of the population (Figure 7). Some inflation responses are large-scale and quasi-universal in coverage. For example, Iran announced cash compensations for increased prices of bread. The program will provide monthly payments (about $90) to 30% of the population in the lowest-income groups; additionally, $71 will be provided to 60% of the population, reaching 90% of the population in total. The top decile would receive no cash transfers. In Slovenia, the National Assembly approved assistance to people in the form of an energy voucher worth EUR150 ($177), which will be received by around 710,000 households (83% of the population). The majority of social assistance programs, or 29 out of 44 measures with available information, are new measures (see an asterisk in figure 6). The reminder increased coverage of pre-crisis programs. Two social assistance measures were provided universally: Germany offered one-off energy assistance of EUR300 ($355), with 9 people receiving social assistance benefiting from a top-up of EUR100 ($118). And Portugal increased the value of the auto-voucher (obtained by all citizens by paying at a fuel pump with a card) from EUR5 ($6) to EUR20 ($24) per beneficiary: while universal in principle, hitherto 23% of the population has availed of such opportunity. Annex 5 provides data for the top 10 programs by coverage rates and numbers. Figure 7. Coverage of social assistance (% of population) EUR300 one-off energy assistance (Germany)* 100% Energy voucher (Slovenia) 83% E-card fuel rebate program (Greece)* 59% Energy vouchers expansion (France) 56% Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0 (Poland)* 52% €200 one-off bonus (Italy)* 48% Bono Chile Apoya de Invierno (Chile)* 39% Household Support Fund (United Kingdom)* 31% AUTOvoucher (Portugal)* 23% HICs HIC Average (n=18) 31% The Familienbeihilfe (Austria)* 20% Quebec $500 one-off CT (Canada)* 17% Heating Cheques (Denmark) 15% Czech Children Assistance Program (Czech Republic)* 15% Cost of Living Support for Emiratis (United Arab Emirates) 2% Energy coupon (Croatia) 2% Taxi-Driver One-Off CT (Macao)* 1% Summer Nutrition Program (SUN) (Barbados)* 0% Maine Relief Checks (United States)* 0% Cash Transfers for Bread (Iran)* 90% Bono Gas (Dominican Republic) 45% Auxílio Brasil (Brazil) 25% Vouchers for basic food products (Romania)* 24% UMIC Average (n=10) 22% UMICs Assistance Voucher Programme (Guyana)* 15% Fuel Subsidy Mechanism (Jordan)* 11% Bus Fare Allowance (Fiji)* 6% Health of the people and demographic security (Belarus)* 2% 1000 denars vouchers (North Macedonia)* 2% Eat is first program (Colombia)* 0% Emergency Food Security Support law (Iraq) 87% Philippines Targeted Cash Transfer Program (Philippines)* 48% New Relief Package Benazir Income Support Program (Pakistan)* 38% Exceptional aid to neediest families and pensioners (Egypt)* 36% BLT minyak goreng (Indonesia)* 29% Senegal Direct Cash Aid Program (Senegal)* 28% LMICs LMIC Average (n=12) 26% Nigeria National Social Safety Net Program Scale-Up Project (Nigeria) 24% Food support (Djibouti)* 9% Social Safety Net System Project II (Mauritania) 7% The Social Cash Transfer (Zambia) 6% People in Need Moldova (Moldova)* 4% Fertilizer vouchers (Mauritius)* 0% Baxnaano program (Somalia) 14% Climate Smart enhanced Public Works Program (Malawi) 10% LIC Average (n=5) 7% LICs Burkina Faso Social Safety Net Project (Burkina Faso) 5% Social Cash Transfers (Liberia)* 3% Niger Adaptive Safety Net Project (Niger) 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Coverage (as % of population) Note: * = new program. Coverage rates refer to planned values (except for Portugal which reported actual values). A value of “0” indicates coverage rates less than 1%. 10 A range of programs have been designed as universal, that is, available to anyone independently of age, needs, or other eligibility criteria5. On average, 43% of the tax, subsidies and social assistance measures could be considered universal in nature (Table 3).6 Out of the total 134 tax measures recorded, 75% (100 measures) are available to the full population without other categorical or needs-based eligibility criteria. For example, Angola reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 14% to 7% for certain consumer goods, while France plans to further taxes on transport costs for commuters by 10%. Most subsidy measures (52%) were also universal. For instance, to support public transportation Albania will allocate 500 million Albanian leks ($4.8 million) to pay for the differences in ticket prices. The government of Costa Rica announced new measures that will result in a decrease of 5.5% in the price of diesel per liter. Egypt launched Ahlan (Welcome) Ramadan Initiative to provide key staples and food commodities at low prices nationwide7. Table 3. Number of universal and targeted programs Universal Targeted Total Universal Row Labels programs (#) programs (#) (#) programs (%) Tax measures 100 34 134 75% Subsidies 113 106 219 52% Social assistance 2 146 148 1.4% Total 215 286 501 43% In terms of regions, most universal programs are found in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa (with the lowest levels recorded in South Asia), while middle income countries present the highest prevalence of such programs among country income groups (figure 8). Figure 8. Share of universal and targeted measures by region and country income groups 100% 80% 38% 53% 53% 48% 60% 60% 56% 57% 61% 71% 74% 60% 76% 40% 62% 47% 47% 52% 20% 40% 40% 44% 43% 39% 29% 26% 24% 0% LIC LMIC UMIC HIC AFR EAP ECA LAC MNA NAC SAR Global (n=54) (n=89) (n=121) (n=237) (n=99) (n=40) (n=222) (n=68) (n=36) (n=19) (n=17) (n=501) Universal Targeted 11 Adequacy and duration Data on transfers adequacy (or benefit size) is available for 122 social assistance and subsidy measures (20% of the total responses).8 On average, the size of cash transfers, vouchers and subsidies represents 20% of daily median income.9 Social assistance transfers, whether through cash or vouchers, are more generous than subsidies: the former represents 22% of median daily income, whereas subsidies account for 12% of it (Figure 9). In absolute terms, daily transfers per beneficiary were, on average, $5.1. Average transfers range from $7 in high-income economies to $0.7 in lower middle-income settings (same figure).10 As for the other performance dimensions, the results should be interpreted with caution given the disparity in the number of programs with available information between social assistance (in this case 98 programs) and subsidies (24 programs). Figure 9. Average daily benefits as a share of median income (left) and in USD (right) 25% 50 22% 20% 20% 40 Benefits as % of daily median income 15% 30 12% Benefit ($) 10% 20 10 7.0 5% 1.7 5.1 1.1 0.7 0 0% Social assistance Subsidies (n=24) Grand Total LIC (n=9) LMIC (n- UMIC HIC Grand (n=98) (n=122) 9) (n=23) (n=80) Total (n=121) Note: black squares in the right graph = average values; (n) = number of measures. All non-USD benefit size information was converted using normal exchange rates. The exchange rates used (national Currency per U.S. Dollar, period average) were for December 2021 (IMF International Financial Statistics database). Daily median income was obtained from Our World in Data database. One-off transfers were considered bi-monthly given they are double the monthly amount on average. One-off payments were the most common form of payment frequency. This involved 76 out of 146 measures (52%) with available information on payment frequency. This is followed by monthly payments, which accounted for 38% of total measures (56 out of 146). The remaining 14 programs (10%) provided daily, bi-monthly, quarterly, or yearly payments. For example, Canada’s Quebec City announced a one-off cash transfer of CA$500 ($399) to every resident making less than CA$100,000 (~$80,000). In Senegal, the government announced on May 10th an exceptional cash transfer operation in response to the joint effects of COVID-19 and the food and fuel price crisis. Between May and July, the entire social registry (550,000 households, or 28% of the population) would receive a one-off digital transfer of FCFA80,000 (~$144). Latvia announced monthly support to seniors and persons with disabilities (EUR20 or $24) and families with children (EUR50 or $59). Romania pensioners and other low-income families will receive vouchers for basic food products worth EUR50 ($59) every two months. 12 Data on the duration of the benefits is available for 196 measures across 92 economies. The majority are one-off payments (76 measures; 39%), 3 months (24 measures; 12%), 6 months (25 measures; 12%), and 12 months (21 measures; 11%). Considering one-off measures as bi-monthly, given they are double the monthly amount on average, the average duration is 5.2 months ranging from 2 months (e.g., labor market) to 7 months (subsidies) (Table 4). For example, the Baxnaano program in Somalia is scaling up horizontally and offering $60/month for six months. Some subsidy measures also offered multi-months. For example, Hong Kong’s electricity subsidy program credits HK$1,000 ($128) to customers’ electricity accounts over a duration of 12 months. Similarly, Germany’s transportation ticket subsidy (9-for-90 scheme) provides public transport tickets at EUR9 ($11) for a duration of 3 months. Table 2. average duration of global response (n=number of programs) Average duration Response (in months) Social assistance (n=80) 4 Social insurance (n=1) 6 Labor market programs (n=1) 2 Subsidies (n=50) 6 Trade-related measures (n=24) 7 Tax measures (n=40) 7 Grand Total (n=196) 5 3. Subsidies Subsidies are being put in place across four main categories, i.e., fuel, food, fertilizers, and various fees (Table 5). These are discussed individually in the remainder of the section. Overall, food subsidies represent a sizable share of subsidies in MENA and SAR, while fuel subsidies constitute a large percentage of measures in EAP and LAC (Figure 10). In the latter region, fuel subsidies involve 64% of subsidies. Fees subsidies were the most used subsidies in HICs, while fuel subsidies were more common in UMICs. Food subsidies were the most common subsidies in LMICs with 40% of the response compared to LICs (27%), UMICs (13%), and HICs (only 10%). Finally, the LICs’ share of fertilizers subsidies was about three times the global average (Figure 11). 13 Table 3. Type of subsidy programs Number of measures Number of Category (%of total subsidies) economies Fuel subsidies 67 (31%) 52 Fuel subsidy 39 30 Price control (fuel) 28 27 Food subsidies 43 (20%) 36 Food subsidy 18 15 Price control (food) 25 24 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies 24 (11%) 20 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies 23 20 Price control (fertilizers) 1 1 Fees subsidies 85 (39%) 53 Education (fee waivers/vouchers) 2 2 Health (fee waivers/vouchers) 1 1 Housing (rent support) 5 5 Utility discount (e.g., Water, electricity, heating, cooking gas) 40 27 Transportation 7 7 Money transaction fees 0 0 Mortgages and other loans 5 5 Other 2 2 Price control (fees) 16 14 Green energy subsidies (e.g., EV subsidies) 7 7 Total 219 110 Figure 10. Composition of subsidy responses by region 100% 15% 13% 18% 28% 80% 35% 39% 21% 18% 25% 63% 60% 9% 11% 9% 100% 35% 40% 56% 20% 9% 64% 63% 48% 3% 20% 29% 31% 24% 11% 0% AFR (n=29) EAP (n=12) ECA (n=35) LAC (n=20) MNA (n=9) North SAR (n=4) Global America (n=1) Average (n=110) Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies 14 Figure 11. Composition of subsidy responses by country income group 100% 18% 17% 80% 35% 39% 12% 57% 32% 60% 13% 11% 40% 13% 40% 5% 20% 27% 10% 20% 40% 31% 28% 31% 23% 0% LIC (n=13) LMIC (n=27) UMIC (n=25) HIC (n=45) Global Average (n=110) Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Fuel subsidies In general, 52 economies11 have implemented 67 measures to reduce fuel prices through price control (fixing prices) and fuel subsidies (covering part of the fuel cost) (Table 6). Fuel subsidies are expected to cover 40.8 million individuals12 and cost $50.2 billion.13 On average such measures have a duration of 7 months.14 Table 4. Types of fuel subsidy measures Category Number of Number of measures economies Fuel subsidy 39 30 Price control 28 27 Total 67 52 Fuel subsidies that cover part of the fuel cost include 39 measures across 30 economies.15 The Costa Rican government announced that it will change the calculation for the price of diesel. This will result in a decrease of 5.5% in the price of diesel per liter. The Philippines government has dedicated an additional P3.5 billion ($71.06 million; 0.02% of its GDP) for direct fuel subsidies for public transport drivers, fisherfolk, and corn farmers in the 2023 budget. However, not all countries managed to sustain the new subsidies. In June, Colombia announced that it would gradually reduce overall fuel subsidies to minimize the fiscal deficit. This comes after the country had increased its spending on fuel subsidies for the first half of 2022 to maintain lower prices of fuel for Colombians as prices were rising. This reduction in subsidies is estimated to reduce the deficit by 14.2 billion Colombian pesos ($3.8 billion). Additionally, there are 28 measures across 27 economies,16 which have implemented price control on fuel. For example, Thailand plans to spend close to THB7.5 billion ($234 million; 0.02% of its GDP) per month to maintain the retail price of diesel at THB30 ($0.94) per liter. Previously, in Hungary, the price of gasoline and diesel was capped at a max of EUR1.30 ($1.54) for a duration of three months starting 15 from November 2021. On February 12, 2022, this measure was extended for another three months and on July 30, 2022, it was extended again to last until October 2022. More recently, on July 18, 2022, Panama announced a price freeze on regular gasoline at $3.25. This is expected to cost $200 million (0.31% of its GDP). At the time of writing, out of the 67 measures, only 37 are active, five have been announced but not started, twelve have ended, and for the rest, the current status was unknown. Next, 11 measures (16% of 67 measures) were extended in duration. Out of these, there are 2 interesting examples illustrating the evolution of fuel control (e.g., Slovenia) and reduction of coverage with extension (e.g., Hungary). In fact, in March 2022 Slovenia set the maximum retail price for 95-octane gasoline at EUR1.503 ($1.78) per liter and for diesel at EUR 1.541 ($1.82) per liter for a duration of one month. On April 1, price control on fuel price was extended and set at wholesale price which was lower than the previously set price. The wholesale prices were frozen at EUR1.483 ($1.75) per liter of petrol and EUR1.521 (1.80) per liter of diesel for one month. On May 10, the government again reintroduced a price cap on motor fuels by increasing the maximum retail prices to EUR 1.560 ($1.85) per liter and EUR 1.668 ($1.97) per liter for petrol and diesel, respectively. This measure was in place until early August (Figure 12). Figure 12. Evolution of fuel price cap in Slovenia $1.95 $1.91 $1.91 $1.91 Fuel price control $1.91 $1.87 $1.83 $1.80 $1.78 $1.79 $1.75 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Aug-22 Another example is Hungary, which announced a three-month cap on gasoline and diesel prices at a max of EUR1.30 ($1.54) on November 11, 2021. On February 12, 2022, the same price cap was extended for another three months. In April, the government further extended the same price cap until July 1, 2020. Again, in July the measure has been extended for the third time, but the coverage has been narrowed (i.e., reduced) by restricting the price-capped on petrol and diesel to privately-owned vehicles, farm vehicles and taxis, and excludes company-owned cars. Food subsidies Food subsidies include a total of 43 measures across 36 economies which have helped reduce the consumer prices of food either through price control (i.e., by fixing price) or food subsidies (covering part of the food cost) (Table 7). At the time of writing, out of the 43 measures only 10 were active, 9 have ended, and information on the status of the rest was not available. In terms of program parameters, food subsidy measures are expected to cover 149.09 million individuals17 and cost $30.28 billion.18 The average duration of such measures were 5 and a half months.19 16 Table 5. Types of food subsidy measures Category Number of measures Number of economies Food subsidy 18 15 Price control 25 24 Total 43 36 Within food subsidies, price control measures for food represent the largest share. So far, 25 measures have been announced related to price control on food and other essential items, with 8 new measures in the new version of the tracker. For instance, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries in Iraq issued a decision to amend the distribution of frozen chicken through ration cards. From the beginning of June, instead of giving 2 kgs per person, the ministry will be providing 3 kgs of chicken per person. Panama has announced that the government has reached an agreement with food retailers to control the prices of 72 basic food items. Previously, Comoros had issued an order to limit the prices of certain food items, such as sugar, flour, condensed milk, oil, sardines, concentrated tomato, mineral water, beef, and chicken, all of which are subject to a price floor and ceiling. More recently, Guinea-Bissau has set price controls on 50-kilogram bags of rice, sugar, and wheat flour at CFA17,500 ($31.56), CFA25,000 ($45.08) and CFA23,000 ($41.48), respectively. Price control measures are followed by general food subsidy programs for consumers to ease the pain of rising food prices. A total of 18 measures have been implemented for food subsidies to try and reduce the price consumers are paying for food products and 7 of these measures are newly added. For example, Kenya as part of the 5th stimulus package reduced maize flour prices from KSH 205 ($1.87) to KSH 100 ($0.91) in retail stores across the country. UAE announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6 billion; 2.12% of its GDP) relief package to ease rising inflation. Emirati families making less than $6,800 will be eligible for a series of measures including food subsidies. Previously, in March 2022, Bangladesh launched a nationwide food subsidy program for cooking oil, lentils, and other staples. Mostly targeted at rural areas, the scheme provided food at reduced prices to 10 million poor people (6.1% of the total population) until the end of Ramadan. Similarly, Gabon announced that it would subsidize food items such as flour. More recently, in Pakistan, the Utility Stores Corporation has been ordered by the government to provide 10- kilogram bags of flour at a subsidized rate of PKR400 ($2.46) throughout the country. Fertilizer subsidies The fertilizer/agricultural subsidy category recorded 24 measures across 20 economies to support farmers with agricultural inputs (such as seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment) (Table 8). Almost all the measures relate to subsidizing fertilizers via covering part of the cost, except for one measure from Mali where price control on fertilizer was implemented. At the time of writing, out of the 24 measures, 15 are currently active, 2 have been announced but not started yet, 2 have ended, and the status of the rest is unknown. Table 6. Types of fertilizer subsidy measures Category Number of measures Number of economies Fertilizer/agriculture Subsidy 23 20 Price control (fertilizers) 1 1 Total 24 20 17 Several countries have announced an increase in agriculture subsidies in the annual budget for next year to offset the effects of rising wheat and food prices exacerbated by the Ukraine war. The majority of these measures were passed in Africa. For example, Tanzania has launched a fertilizer subsidy program for the fiscal year of 2022-23 which will cost the country 150 billion Tanzanian Shillings ($65.28 million; 0.10% of its GDP), and the government will on average pay Sh52,000 ($22.63) in subsidy for every 50 kg bag of fertilizer. Similarly, Rwanda has also allocated extra funds amounting to Rwf36 Billion ($36.41 million; 0.33% of its GDP) for the next fiscal year of 2022-23 to assist farmers with relatively affordable fertilizers and seeds. As part of the effort to boost domestic production of agriculture, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a new grant of $2 million to Sierra Leone for food production and a loan of $123 million to Senegal to benefit local farmers. Previously, China had pledged $1.5 billion (0.01% of its GDP) in grain subsidies to offset soaring agriculture production costs. It provided a one-off subsidy to support summer harvest and autumn sowing, as plantations during spring faced disruptions due to Covid-19 curbs and the war in Ukraine. Also, on April 19, 2022, Azerbaijan provided subsidies for an amount of AZN21.6 million ($12.71 million; 0.02% of the GDP) to 44,423 farmers (0.44% of the total population) for autumn crops. More recently, the Bangladeshi government announced that it would increase the existing subsidy for fertilizer for the next fiscal year in the new budget, up to BDT15,000 crore ($1.76 billion; 0.55% of its GDP) compared to BDT9,500 crore ($1.1 billion; 0.3% of its GDP) from the previous fiscal year. These measures are aimed at supporting farmers’ production and reducing the price of agri-food products for consumers. Finally, in terms of the program parameters, based on the available information, fertilizer subsidy measures aim to reach 1.33 million20 individuals and are expected to cost $26.35 billion.21 The average duration of such measures is 2 months.22 Fee subsidies Fees subsidies are the most popular form of subsidy with 85 measures across 53 economies.23 In particular, utility discounts account for almost half the measures (47%; 40 measures) under the fee subsidies category. These are followed by price control, accounting for almost 20% (16 measures). The rest of the responses account for less than 10% (see Table 9). Table 7. Type of fees subsidies Fee subsidies Number of measures Share of measures Utility discounts (e.g., Water, electricity, heating, gas) 40 47.0% Price control (fees) 16 18.8% Green energy subsidies (e.g., EV subsidies) 7 8.2% Transportation 7 8.2% Housing (e.g., rent support) 5 5.9% Mortgages and other loans 5 5.9% Other 2 2.4% Education 2 2.4% Health 1 1.2% Total 85 100% At the time of writing, out of the 85 measures 39 were active, 4 are announced but have not started, 9 have ended, and for the rest data on current status was not available. A total of 16 measures (19% of 85 18 measures) were extended in duration, of which 3 have expanded horizontally and vertically, 3 have “expanded vertically only”, 2 have “expanded horizontally only”, and the rest were extensions in duration without any change in coverage or benefit size. These measures are expected to cover 136.8 million individuals and cost $26.3 billion. Subsidies on services, including utility discounts (electricity and heating), housing, transportation There are 52 measures under this sub-category relating to a variety of subsidies on services ranging from energy, such as electricity and heating, to housing and transportation services, accounting for over 60% of the fee subsidies. Starting with utility subsidies, 40 measures across 27 economies24 were implemented to reduce utility bills (including electricity, water, and heating). Some of these measures (from Ireland, Cape Verde, and Norway) vertically expanded the already existing utility support. For example, in March 2022, Ireland doubled the electricity credit payments to households, making it EUR200 ($237).25 The credit will be automatically applied to domestic electricity customers’ accounts and will appear either as a credit on the bill or as a top-up on the prepay meter. Some other programs (from Belgium and Lithuania) have horizontally expanded. For example, Belgium, on 2 October 2021, extended the social energy tariff introduced during the pandemic until the end of March 2022. It costed EUR208 million ($246 million; 0.04% of its GDP) and targeted nearly 500 thousand households (10.05% of the population). On March 14, 2022, the government extended the social tariff until 30 September 2022, and the measure benefitted 880 thousand families (16.08% of the population) and is expected to cost EUR600 million ($709.64 million; 0.12% of its GDP) for January- September 2022 (almost double that of 2021). On June 18, 2022, the social tariff was further extended until the end of 2022. Very few measures experienced both horizontal and vertical expansions. For example, as part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, the UK plans to provide a rebate of GBP150 ($206) on their energy bills. The scheme will cost GBP475 million ($653.4 million; 0.02% of its GDP) a year and will cover nearly 3 million households (8.9% of the population). Previously, the rebate was GBP140 ($193) and used to cover 2.2 million households (6.5% of the population). Next, a set of subsidy measures pertains to transportation. 7 measures26 have either subsidized or provided free transportation services to encourage people to use public transportation over private. Most economies (e.g., Albania, Eritrea, Italy, New Zealand and Germany) have subsidized public transportation services. For example, on March 14, 2022, New Zealand announced a cut in public transport fares by 50%. Similarly, in the same month, Albania announced to allocate ALL500 million ($4.84 million; 0.03% of its GDP) to pay for the differences in ticket prices, so that the ticket prices for the citizens do not change. Few economies (e.g., Andorra and Comoros) have even provided free and special transportation services. Andorra, on April 30, 2022, created a free monthly season ticket for all residents and lowered the price of school transport. Similarly, Comoros granted free transportation to farmers to bring their local agricultural products to Moroni, Mutsamudu and Fomboni. Lastly, there are 5 measures27 relating to housing subsidies. These pertain to rental subsidies (e.g., Sweden, Taiwan, UAE), rental advance limits (e.g., Guinea), and creating more flexible criteria for accessing housing aid (e.g., Andorra). Taiwan, for example, approved a NT$30 billion ($1.07 billion; 19 0.14% of its GDP) budget for the housing rent subsidy program for the fiscal year 2022, to expand both horizontally (i.e., increase the availability) as well as vertically (i.e., increase the amount of rent subsidies). Next, Guinea, to protect the interest of tenants, has set a limit of rental advances to three months. Andorra, on April 30, 2022, created more flexible housing aid accessing criteria, where applicants can now request housing aid after 3 years of residence, as opposed to the previously existing 5-year requirement. Price control measures There are 16 price control measures28 implemented on a variety of items: mostly on utilities (e.g., electricity, water, gas), and very few on housing rent increase (e.g., France and Côte d'Ivoire) and transportation (Côte d'Ivoire). For example, on April 28, 2022, Senegal announced that it will continue to freeze the prices of hydrocarbons and electricity. Similarly, Uruguay, on 17 May 2022, announced a price freeze on propane tank gas. To provide an additional example, France, on 7 July 2022, as part of a package, announced a 3.5% cap on rental increase. Miscellaneous policies: energy efficiency, rationing of goods; childcare fee reduction. There are 9 miscellaneous policies, of which 729 (78%) relate to energy efficiency and the remaining 2 concern rationing of goods and childcare fee reduction. To promote energy efficiency, economies (e.g., Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, and Thailand) are subsidizing electric vehicles (EVs) (4 out of 7 measures or 57%), while the remaining 3, from Andorra, Cyprus, and Poland, subsidized the installation of solar panels. For example, Thailand provides subsidies for the purchase of passenger Electric Vehicle units depending on battery capacity. Passenger cars with 10 to 30 kWh battery capacity will receive a 70,000-baht ($2,111) subsidy and passenger cars with over 30 kWh battery capacity will receive a 150,000-baht ($4,523) subsidy. Next, Cyprus increased grants up to 50% for households that install thermal insulation and solar panels on their roofs, as part of a EUR20 million ($21.39 million; 0.08% of its GDP) scheme to promote energy efficiency. Another way in which governments are managing prices is by rationing. For example, in mid-April Sri Lanka’s state-owned petroleum corporation imposed fuel rationing for vehicles,30 which was later scrapped and re-introduced again on May 5, 2022, as the crisis continued.31 Finally, Canada, on June 16, 2022, announced that the childcare fees in all 13 provinces will be reduced by 50%. Mortgages and other loans There are 5 measures across Bulgaria, Canada, Poland, Spain, and Togo, which relate to loans and other financial obligations. For example, in Canada, changes were made in April to the Advance Payments Program to support farmers ahead of planting season by allowing them to access 100% of their 2022 cash advances and waiving off their timed instalments. In the same program, more recently (in June), Canada also increased the interest-free limit for advances to CAD250,000 ($199,382), from CAD100,000 ($79,753), for the years 2022 and 2023. Similarly, there are several adaptations across other nations. To highlight a few, the interest rate was reduced on overdue payments to the state, municipalities, utilities and others by up to 8% in Bulgaria. Togo also implemented a similar measure, and Poland postponed the mortgage loan repayments for a duration of 8 months. Human capital-related services (education and health) There are 3 measures, one each from Canada, Spain, and United Arab Emirates, that are related to subsidies for education and health. Starting with the latter, Canada, on June 16, 2022, as part of the 20 Affordability Plan package, including dental care coverage for Canadians earning less than CAD90,000 ($71,777) a year. The remaining 2 measures pertain to education. UAE, on 4 July 2022, as part of the large package targeting inflation announced an education subsidy of Dh3,200 ($871) per month to Emirati families with income below Dh25,000 ($6,807) per month. This is designed to encourage children to enroll in a university. 4. Social assistance Social assistance includes 148 measures across 69 economies (Table 5), representing 24% out of all total measures. Among social assistance measures, cash transfers claim the largest share (76%; 113 measures), followed by in-kind measures (18%; 26 measures). The rest of the social assistance measures account for close to 5%. The social pension category, for example, has 4 measures, amounting to 3% of social assistance measures, while public works and school feeding programs report three measures (2%) and two measures (1%), respectively. Social assistance measures are predominantly new programs (61%; 90 measures), while a smaller share (39%; 58 measures) are adaptations of pre-crisis interventions. Based on available information on expenditure, coverage and program duration, a total of $127.60 billion32 is planned to be spent on social assistance and such measures aim to reach 722.5 million33 individuals. The average duration of these measures is 4 months. Table 8. Type of social assistance measures Number of measures Number of Category (share of total social assistance) economies Cash transfers 113 (76%) 59 Unconditional cash transfers 105 57 Conditional cash transfers 8 5 Social pensions (non-contributory) 4 (3%) 3 Old-age social pensions 3 2 Disability pensions 1 1 In-kind transfers 26 (18%) 22 Food vouchers (quantity or value-based) 5 5 In-kind food distribution 8 6 Health kits and other in-kind transfers 2 2 Other in-kind vouchers (quantity or value-based) 11 10 School feeding 2 (1%) 2 School meals (on-site school feeding) 2 2 Take-home rations - - Public works 3 (2%) 3 Cash for work 3 3 Cash for services - - Food for work - - Total 148 69 Cash transfers Cash transfers still remain the predominant social assistance instrument. Such programs involve a total of 113 measures. Support is being provided to multiple groups of beneficiaries. In Indonesia, additional spending of IDR25.5 trillion ($1.7 billion; 0.15% of GDP) was devoted to unconditional cash transfers reaching 20.65 million beneficiaries (7.55% of the population). Similarly, in the Philippines, the Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT) program will support 12.4 million vulnerable households (47.83% of the total 21 population) between April and September 2022. The TCT offers a cash grant of PHP500 ($10.15). In Chile, the government announced in July a one-off cash transfer of CLP120,000 ($158.11) to cover 7.5 million people (39.23% of the population). Similarly, in Jordan, a temporary six-month compensation program was launched at the end of July and provides beneficiaries with up to JDN16 ($22.54) for a total cost of JOD30 million ($42.25 million; 0.09% of its GDP). The program covers 220,000 NAF beneficiary households (1.04 million individuals; 10.17% of the population) and 74,000 university students (0.73% of the total population). Climate-related cash transfers are also present: in Austria, a EUR500 ($591.37) bonus will be paid starting in October to compensate for the increased carbon tax. Out of the 34 cash transfer measures across 23 economies, most (21 measures) experienced a “vertical- only” scale up – or an increase in the size of transfers. This is followed by “horizontal and vertical expansions” (new beneficiaries covered and also increases in transfer size for existing beneficiaries) with 8 measures, and only 3 measures were “horizontal-only” (coverage scale up) expansions. In July, the French government raised from 1.8% to 4% the disability allowance, family benefits and scholarships. The same increase was also applied to the active solidarity income (RSA) from EUR572.52 ($677.14) to EUR598 ($707.29). Earlier in June, Canada vertically enhanced the Canada Worker Benefit to provide support to 3 million workers (7.89% of the population) who are set to receive up to CAD1,200 ($957) and CAD2,400 ($1914) for singles and couples, respectively. In July, Egypt announced for the second time a horizontal increase of the Takafol and Karama social protection program by adding one million beneficiary families, taking the coverage number to 20 million citizens nationwide (19.54% of the population). An example of both horizontal and vertical expansion is Malawi which, subject to project approval, is planning to provide additional support for the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project. This entails expanding cash vertically via top-ups to the current 300,000 social cash transfer beneficiary households (1.35 million individuals; 7.07% of the population) and expanding coverage to non-beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas. Several of these cash transfer programs are specifically targeting lower-income households. This is the case in Quebec, where a one-off cash transfer of CA$500 ($399) is provided to every resident making less than CA$100,000 ($79,753). Similarly, in the Netherlands, a one-time payment of EUR200 ($235) is delivered to the poorest households to help pay energy bills. A form of conditional cash transfer is present in Cyprus and Sweden: in such cases, cash is tied to the installation of renewable and energy- saving materials and the purchase of electric vehicles. Finally, some economies have also adopted measures to protect disabled and elderly populations, such as in Austria and Greece via one-off transfers. In-kind transfers There are 26 in-kind measures across 22 economies.34 These measures can be classified into two broad categories: (i) food-related measures (including both in-kind and voucher modalities); and (ii) non-food- related measures (also in this case as in-kind and vouchers). The former consists of 13 measures (50%), and the latter as well consists of 13 measures (50%). Food-related measures. There are 13 such measures provided in 11 countries,35 where 5 measures (38%) pertain to food vouchers. Amongst the newest measures, in Bulgaria, the government has vertically increased the quota destined for food vouchers to employees from BGN1 billion ($604.68 million; 0.75% of its GDP) to 1.2 billion ($725.61 million; 0.90% of GDP). In July 2022, the Egyptian government announced the special disbursement of EGP6 billion ($310 million) to 9 million neediest families (8.79% 22 of the population) for the following six months. In France, a back-to-school food voucher was confirmed by the government in July, which will provide 14 million people (20.77% of the population) with a EUR100 ($118.27) cheque plus EUR50 ($59.14) for each dependent child. The measure is expected to cost EUR1 billion ($1.82 billion; 0.04% of GDP). An example of in-kind food transfer comes from Djibouti, which in March 2022 provided food to 10,000 families (90,000 individuals; 9.12% of the population). Non-food-related measures. Such measures were provided in the form of vouchers and in-kind transfers across 12 economies.36 Out of 13 measures, 11 relate to vouchers. For example, Greece extended in June the fuel rebate to motorists and car owners until September 2022 and vertically increased the transfer up to EUR100 ($118.27) and EUR70 ($82.79), respectively. The extension of the program brings it to a total cost of EUR580 million ($685.99 million; 0.32% of its GDP) for the state. Similarly, in July 2022 the Philippines announced the extension of fuel vouchers provision to farmers and fishery workers. Next, other types of in-kind transfers include measures provided to counteract increased costs of fertilizers and agricultural inputs. For example, in April Côte d'Ivoire provided agricultural inputs to women in the agricultural sector from the Marahoué region. It included seeds from market gardeners and rice, fertilizer, trucks, tractors, mini-harvesters, and thresher-winnowers. The expenditure on the measure is over CFA 2 billion ($3.61 million;0.01% of its GDP) Social pensions There are a total of 4 measures, from France, Lithuania, and Poland under this section. Two of these are new measures. Lithuania planned a budget of EUR75.7 million ($89.53 million; 0.14% of GDP) to increase social assistance, social pensions, and child benefits. Similarly, France’s Ministry of Solidarity and Health has announced a regulatory increase of several benefits by 1.8%, including disabled adult allowance (AAH), disability pensions and all family benefits will be increased. Public works Three public works programs have been identified, include in Liberia, Malawi and Niger. For example, Liberia is providing temporary employment support and employability development for vulnerable informal workers in urban areas. Such intervention runs from 1 October 2021, through 30 June 2024. Similarly, in Niger, the Adaptive Safety Net Project 2 will support 117,000 new households (2.9% of the total population) through cash for work. The programs have an estimated cost of $108 million (0.91% of its GDP) and $3.5 million (0.03% of its GDP), respectively. 23 5. Social insurance Social insurance records a total of 24 measures across 18 economies37(Table 11), representing 4% of all overall measures. Table 9. Type of social insurance measures Category Number of measures Number of economies Pensions 16 (67%) 14 Old age pensions 16 14 Disability pensions - - Survivor pensions - - Social security contributions 6 (25%) 4 Individual retirement accounts and social contributions for individuals 6 4 Paid leave - - Sickness and population at risk - - Maternity/Paternity - - Health insurance - - Health insurance - - Unemployment insurance 2 (8%) 2 Out-of-work income support 2 2 Total 24 18 The majority of these interventions (67% or 16 measures) pertain to pension increases. For instance, in Canada, a 10% increase in pensions is expected to cover 3 million senior pensioners (7.89% of the population), while in Lithuania the government has devoted EUR106.3 million ($125.73 million; 0.19% of its GDP) to increase old-age pensions by 5%. Amongst the new measures recorded, increased budgets are being provided for this purpose as in the case of France, with its new 20-billion package, or in Italy, where the new act “Aiuti-bis” approved in August 2022 adjusts for a 2% inflation increment for pensioners with income lower or equal to EUR35,000 ($4,081). North Macedonia also envisages funds for indexing pensions, while the Swedish parliament increased pensions by SEK1,000 per month ($116.60) in a package that will cost ca. SEK14 billion ($1.63 billion; 0.26% of its GDP). Next, 6 measures pertain to social security contribution waiver come from France, Iceland, Italy, and United Kingdom. Some interesting examples include a partial exemption to social security contributions payable by employers in Italy for a period from 1 July to 31 December 2022. Similarly, other examples come from the UK where 70% of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) payers will pay less NICs while higher-income households will contribute the most, and from France, where self-employed will benefit from a permanent reduction in their contributions, generating a gain of EUR550 ($647) per year at the level of the minimum wage. Finally, only 2 measures, from Belgium and the United Arab Emirates, relate to unemployment insurance. For example, UAE, on 4 July 2022, announced a Job seeker allowance of Dh5,000 ($1,361) per month to Emirati families whose household income is up to Dh25,000 per month ($6,807). The allowance is provided for a period of six months to unemployed individuals looking for a job. 24 At the time of writing, out of 24 measures, 17 are active, 5 are announced but have not started, 1 has terminated and for the rest, the status is unknown. In terms of program parameters, based on available information on expenditure and coverage, a total of $14.1 billion38 is planned to be spent on social insurance measures and aims to reach about 3.81 million39 individuals. 6. Active labor market and economic inclusion programs There have been 23 labor market measures implemented across 17 economies,40 and they account for 4% of overall measures. Table 10. Types of labor market measures Category Number of Number of measures economies Activation Measures - - Labor market services including intermediation (PES) - - Training (vocational, life skills, cash for training, others) - - Wage subsidies 4 4 Wage subsidy with reduced work time 1 1 Wage subsidy without reduced work time 3 3 Subsidies for job creation that are targeted on newly created jobs - - Labor regulatory adjustment and enforcement 1 1 Wage increase 18 14 Minimum wage increase 13 11 Public sector wage increase 5 3 Total 23 17 The majority of the measures (18 measures; 78%) pertain to wage increases, which were implemented across 14 economies,41 of which, 13 measures relate to minimum wage increase and 5 measures are on public sector wage increase. First, minimum wage increase measures were implemented across 11 economies.42 The United Kingdom, for example, announced to increase the national living wage for workers aged 23 and above to GBP9.50 ($13.1) an hour, which is a 6.6% increase from the current wage. Similarly, Canada’s British Columbia province announced to increase the minimum wage by 45 cents, making it CAD15.65 ($12.48) per hour to support workers in the face of rising inflation. Next, Chile has announced an increase of 14.3% in the minimum wage to keep up with rising inflation prices. To provide an example from Europe, on April 12, 2022, Romania announced to increase the minimum statutory wage by RON200 ($48.07) per month. In addition, economies have implemented wage increases that only affect public sector employees, such measures come from France, North Macedonia, and Sri Lanka. For example, in North Macedonia, there was a 15% increase in wages for all staff working in kindergarten, primary, and secondary school as announced on July 11th, 2022. Similarly, Sri Lanka, on 2 January 2022, increased civil servants’ salaries by Rs.5,000 ($26.94) per month to cope with the increase in the cost of living. Next, there are 4 wage subsidy measures implemented across France Hong Kong, Macao and Malaysia. Of which, 3 pertain to wage subsidy without reduced work time and 1 measure relates to wage subsidy with reduced work time (e.g., France). Hong Kong, for example, in March 2022, announced to support eligible employers by providing subsidies of HK$8,000 ($1029.17) for each full-time employee it employs who earns below HK$30,000 ($3859.39) per month. As of August 2022, the government granted 25 subsidies for 350,000 applicants (4.68% of the population), exceeding its original estimate of 300,000 beneficiaries (4.01% of the population), and the measure costed HK$3.5 billion (450.26 million; 0.12% of its GDP). To provide another example, Malaysia announced RM20.92 billion (US$5.05 billion; 1.36% of its GDP) in wage subsidy to 357,895 employers to help retain employment for 2.96 million local workers (8.96% of the population). Next, an example of wage subsidy with reduced work time comes from France, where the long-term partial activity scheme (APLD) has been extended to protect employment. Finally, at the time of writing, out of the 23 measures, only 13 are active, 6 were announced but have not started, 2 have ended, and the status of the remaining programs are unknown. In terms of program parameters, based on available information on expenditure and coverage, a total of $6.46 billion43 is planned to be spent on social insurance measures and aims to reach about 3.26 million44 individuals. 7. Trade measures45 There are 61 export/import restrictions and easing measures implemented across 44 economies46 (Table 13). Of these, 37 economies47 have implemented 51 export/import restriction measures to ensure the domestic availability of food/fertilizer. At the same time, when looking at the global shortage, at least 10 economies48 have started easing49 their restrictions. Table 11. Types of trade measures Number of Number of Trade-related measures measures economies Import/export restriction 51 (84%) 37 Import/export easing 10 (16 %) 10 Total 61 44 Export/import restrictions Governments are restricting the export of food (grains, spices, cooking oil, fruits and vegetables, frozen meat, etc.), live cattle and animal feed, and fertilizer and its ingredients (e.g., Urea). The majority (88% or 47 measures out of 51 measures) of trade measures across 35 economies50 relate to restrictions on the export of food items. Food export restrictions can be further classified as bans (57%; 27 measures), license or inspection requirements (23%; 11 measures), quotas (15%; 7 measures) and increases in export tax (4%; 2 measures). For example, India, on May 13, 2022, announced a ban on the export of wheat. In the following week, on May 24, 2022, it imposed export restrictions in the form of a quota on the export of sugar (raw, refined and white sugar) by setting a cap of 10 million tons.11 On July 7, 2022, India adjusted the export policy for wheat flour by requiring traders to secure permission before exporting the commodity; subsequently on August 25, 2022, the government increased the restriction by imposing a ban on wheat flour, maida, and semolina. Governments have also restricted the export of livestock (e.g., cattle, chickens, etc.) and their feed (4 measures51). For example, Kazakhstan and Malaysia banned the export of cattle and chicken, respectively, while, the Kyrgyz Republic and Lebanon have banned the export of farm animal feeds. 26 Finally, a few other economies (3 measures52) have imposed restrictions on the export of fertilizers and their ingredients. Such restrictions can be classified as bans (e.g., Kyrgyz Republic), restrictions in the form of inspection requirements (e.g., China), and increases in export taxes (e.g., Vietnam). Import/export easing There are 10 trade easing measures recorded. There has been a gradual shift in stringency – from the most stringent export/import restrictions (i.e., ban) to relatively less stringent restrictions53 measures (licensing requirements and quota) to complete removal of the restriction. All the export/import easing measures were on food, except for South Korea (which removed the export restriction on urea) and Kenya (raw materials for animal feeds). Examples of a gradual reduction in the stringency of export restrictions are reflected both in the replacement of an existing ban with a quota or with the full removal of the restriction. For instance, Kazakhstan, on February 22, 2022, lifted the ban on the export of potatoes and carrots that was in effect from January 22, 2022, and replaced it with quotas on marketable and seed potatoes in the amount of 144,500 tons and 57,500 tons, respectively. The measure was active for 3 months until May 1, 2022. On the other hand, Iraq, on March 10, 2022, suspended the import restriction on certain goods, including food items, consumables, and medicines, which was imposed on November 2, 2021, and required special approval before importing. Even this measure ended on June 8, 2022. Finally, in terms of program duration trade measures have an average length of 7 months.54 8. Tax measures Tax measures are the third most extensively used intervention – after subsidies and social assistance – with 134 measures across 71 economies.55 In response to the cost-of-living crisis, the majority (87%) of the tax responses pertain to indirect taxes and the remaining relate to direct taxes (see Table 14). These measures relate to some forms of adaptation, such as exemption of tax, reduction of tax, tax rebate, increase in the base/bar for tax-free allowance (i.e., increase in the tax exemption limit), deferral of payment, and suspension of annual indexation. Table 12. Type of tax measures Tax measures Number of measures Countries Indirect taxes 116 (87%) 67 Direct taxes 18 (13%) 12 Total 134 71 Direct taxes About 18 measures from 12 economies56 relate to direct taxes. Almost all the measures (88%) within direct taxes relate to income tax, except for one measure from the UK on local property tax (i.e., council tax as they call it) and another from the Czech Republic on road tax. Countries have adapted direct taxes in three ways: ▪ Raise base tax-free allowance. Five measures across 5 economies57 have raised the tax-free allowance (i.e., raised the minimum per annum salary from which the income tax will apply; e.g., Lithuania, Germany) and/or raised the level from which the top income tax rate will apply (e.g., Germany). For example, Lithuania raised the non-taxable income threshold by EUR 80 ($94.62), 27 making it EUR 540 ($638.68). This increased the income/earnings of people with minimum monthly wages by EUR 16 ($18.92). This measure is anticipated to cost EUR 103 million ($121.82 million; 0.12% of its GDP). Similarly, in August 2022, Germany raised the basic non- taxable exemption as well as the level from which the maximum income tax rate of 42% would apply. ▪ Tax rebate. There are 7 such measures being implemented across 6 economies.58 For example, on February 3, 2022, United Kingdom introduced a £150 ($206.30) council tax59 (i.e., property tax to local government) rebate starting from April 1, 2022. To provide another example, on March 26, 2022, USA's Georgia state announced tax refunds between $250 and $375 to Georgians who filed taxes for the years 2020 and 2021. Single filers receive $250, single filers who are heads of households receive $375, and married couples filing jointly will receive up to $500. ▪ Tax reduction/exemption. There are 6 measures from 6 economies.60 There are some variations: commuter allowance in the form of income tax reduction/exemption (e.g., Austria, Finland, and France); reduction/exemption of road tax (e.g., Czech Republic); tax reduction on social security contribution (e.g., Italy), direct reduction in income tax (e.g., United Kingdom). For example, on February 18, 2022, Finland temporarily increased the mileage allowance for commuting expenses while using one’s car from EUR0.25 ($0.30) per km to EUR0.30 ($0.35) per km. This is provided in the form of tax exemption, as the commute to work will not be regarded as travel for tax purposes. Another example from the Czech Republic pertains to the exemption of road taxes on cars, buses and trucks up to twelve tons. Next, on May 2, 2022, Italy announced a reduction of 0.8 percentage points on the social security tax rate for civil servants. The final example is from the UK, which on March 23, 2022, announced that it would reduce the basic rate of income tax to 19% from April 2024. This is a tax cut of over £5 billion ($6.88 billion; 0.22% of its GDP) per year. Indirect taxes About 116 measures from 67 economies61 relate to indirect taxes on food, fertilizer, fuel, and utilities (e.g., electricity, water, gas). These indirect tax measures can broadly be classified as VAT (55 measures, 47%), excise duty (32 measures, 28%), customs duty (18 measures, 16%), and other taxes (e.g., special tax, network tax; 11 measures, 9%). Similar to direct taxation, countries have adapted indirect taxes in three ways: ▪ Raised annual turnover threshold required for mandatory VAT registration. Only one such measure has been recorded from Bulgaria, where on May 18, 2022, as part of the anti-crisis measure, raised the bar for mandatory VAT registration from BGN 50,000 ($30234) to BGN 100,000 ($60468). ▪ Suspended annual adjustment/indexation of indirect tax. There are 3 such measures, one each from Benin (electricity tariff), Singapore (GST), and Sweden (fuel taxes). For example, Benin, on 23 March 2022, decided to suspend the re-adjustment of electricity taxes until the end of 2022. Next, Singapore, on February 18, 2022, delayed the planned Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike to 2023.62 Similarly, in Sweden, as part of the SEK14 billion kronor ($1.63 billion; 0.26% of its GDP) package on fuel and power subsidy, the government suspended the annual indexation of diesel and petrol tax rates for 2022 and 2023, and the measure is expected to cost SEK 900 million ($104.93 million; 0.02% of its GDP) for 2023. ▪ Reduced and exempted indirect taxes. There are 112 measures across 60 economies63 pertaining to the reduction or exemption of indirect taxes. The following are examples of each type of 28 indirect tax. Barbados, on July 14, 2022, as part of a new package to address rising costs reduced VAT on electricity bills from 17.5% to 7.5% for the electricity charged up to the first 250 kWh. This is expected to benefit 63% of all households in Barbados and is expected to cost the government BDS$ 1.527 million ($763,500; 0.02% of its GDP) a month or an expected BDS$ 10.5 million ($5.25 million; 0.11% of its GDP) between August 1st and January 31st, 2023. Similarly, Morocco, on June 2, 2022, exempted customs duties on sunflower, soybean, and rapeseed. Next, Guyana, on March 23, 2022, announced the removal of the excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel to lower prices for consumers amidst the rise in global prices. A final example comes from Togo, where on May 1, 2022, market ticket tax payments were suspended in all markets for a period of 3 months. At the time of finalizing this report, out of the 134 measures recorded only 72 measures were active, 4 measures were announced but had not started, and 14 measures have ended. For the remainder of the sampled measures (44), the current status was unknown. Next, 20 measures (15% of 134 measures) were extended in duration. Examples from Israel and South Africa illustrate the overall dynamic of increase and tapering out of tax reductions (Figure 13). On April 5, 2022, the former country reduced the excise tax on fuel, with fuel prices declining by NIS 0.50 ($0.15) per liter. On July 31, 2022, the government further cut the tax by the same amount for a duration of one month, resulting in a total reduction in tax by NIS 1 ($0.31) per liter. By the end of August, the prices were expected to go up again by NIS 0.50 ($0.15) (i.e., same as the initial tax cut) and this tax cut is expected to continue until the end of January 2023. Figure 13. Evolution of excise tax reduction in Israel (left) and general tax reduction in South Africa (right) $0.35 $0.12 South Africa: General levy reduction $0.10 $0.10 $0.10 Israel: Excise tax reduction on fuel $0.30 $0.31 $0.10 $0.25 $0.08 $0.20 $0.15 $0.15 $0.05 $0.06 $0.15 $0.04 $0.10 $0.05 $0.02 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Jul-22 Jun-22 Apr-22 May-22 Nov-22 Aug-22 Dec-22 Mar-22 Sep-22 Jan-23 Oct-22 Evolution of tax cut with extension of measure Evolution of tax cut with extension of measure The other example from South Africa, presented in the same Figure 13, is a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy of R1.50 ($0.10) per liter starting from 6 April 2022 until 31 May 2022 (i.e., 2 months 29 duration). On May 31, 2022, the government extended its fuel subsidy for another two months, until August, which was accomplished in a staggered 2-step process. In the first month (i.e., from June 1 to July 6, 2022) the extended fuel subsidy was the same as the initial tax cut (i.e., R1.50 or $0.10 per liter). But in the second month (i.e., from July 7 to August 2, 2022) the tax cut was reduced to R0.75 ($0.05) per liter (i.e., half the initial benefit). Finally, the temporary fuel levy reduction expired on August 3, 2022. The temporary fuel tax levy reduction costed R6 billion ($1.78 billion; %0.42 of its GDP). In terms of the program parameters, based on available information, tax measures are planned to reach at least 153.41 million64 individuals and are expected to cost $47.67 billion.65 The average duration of such measures is 7 months.66 30 Annex 1. Regional responses Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa have announced or implemented a variety of different measures in response to the global price shock. The tracker, so far, records 110 measures across 44 economies67 (see table A.1.1). Following the global trend, the most common measures in SSA are subsidies, comprising close to 50% of all recorded measures in the region. This is followed by social assistance, tax and trade measures with 22%, 21% and 10%, respectively. Table A1.1. Number of measures and share of total SSA World SSA as a share of the Component No. of Share of No. of Share of global Response Measures Total Measures Total Subsidies 52 47% 219 36% 24% Social assistance 24 22% 148 24% 16% Tax measures 23 21% 134 22% 17% Trade related measures 11 10% 61 10% 18% Labor market programs - - 23 4% - Social insurance - - 24 4% - Total 110 100% 609 100% 18% Within subsidies, food subsidies are the most common with 18 recorded measures from 16 economies,68 making up about 35% of all subsidy measures. Food subsidies can be broadly classified into 2 parts: (i) food subsides that cover part of the cost; (ii) price cap on food products. Most of the food subsidy measures (13 measures) from the region belongs to the latter category. For example, Mauritius, in late April 2022, decided to inject an additional Rs 150 million ($3.60 million; 0.03%) to vertically increase the subsidy to retain the prices of seven essential commodities, such as canned sardines and cheese.69 This price control measures had started in mid-July 2021, and came to an end, recently, on 30 June 2022. To provide another example of food subsidy, consider Kenya, which on July 20, 2022, subsidized Maize flour by Ksh.105 ($0.96), making 2kg maize flour cost just Ksh.100 ($0.91), down from Ksh.205 ($1.87). The duration of the program was 1 month (expected to end on August 20) and was expected to cost Ksh.8 billion ($72.97 million). Next, 15 fuel and 11 fertilizer subsidies were recorded across 14 countries70 and 9 countries,71 respectively. Subsidies on fuel and fertilize can again be categorized as: (i) fuel/fertilizer subsides that cover part of the cost; (ii) price cap on fuel/fertilizer products. Fuel subsidy measures have almost equal number of measures pertaining to both the categorizes, while all fertilizer subsidies measures, except one, relates to the first category (i.e., government covering part of the cost). Examples for each of such subsidies are as follows. Starting with fuel subsidies, since early 2022 Côte d'Ivoire has been subsidizing prices at the pump, each liter of diesel and petrol cost CFAF 469 ($0.85) and CFAF 285 ($0.51), respectively. Such measure costed CFAF 500 billion ($901.66 million; 1.29% of its GDP) during the current year. Another example on fuel relates to price control from Lesotho, where fuel prices were fixed for a period of six months starting from June 2022 and M30 Million ($2.02 million; 0.08%) per month is expected to be spent. The following examples relate to fertilizer subsidies. Eswatini, in late July 2022, announced payments for the input subsidy for farmers starting from August 2022. The 31 average projected cost for the packages is E33,000 ($2232) for maize, beans and sorghum. These packages will cover an area equivalent to one hectare. The farmer is expected to contribute 35% and government will contribute the balance of 65%, which is an increase from the regular subsidy of 50% government contribution. Finally, fee subsidies include h 8 measures across 7 economies.72 Majority of these belong to fee price control (3 measures), followed by transportation discounts (2 measures). Rest 3 measures, one each, belong to utility discounts, mortgage, and housing subsidies. For example, Côte d'Ivoire, on March 9, 2022, capped the prices of building materials, transport rates, house rents in social housing, public water and electricity tariffs and internet service access tariff. The duration of the program was 3 months. Comoros, in early April 2022, announced that farmers can avail free transportation to transport local agricultural products to Moroni, Mutsamudu, and Fomboni. To provide another example, Guinea, in late March 2022, announced that the landlords can only charge 3-month house rent advance. Following subsidies, social assistance measures were the most used responses with 22% of the measures (24 responses) implemented across 11 economies.73 Similar to the global trend, cash measures constitute the majority of transfers (71%; 17 measures). Furthermore, there are 3 measures each on in-kind and public works, and one measure on school feeding. Within cash measures, 5 measures experienced adaptation – “vertical only” adaptation (Angola) and “horizontal and vertical” adaptation (Burkina Faso, Malawi, Somalia, and Zambia). To provide a “vertical only” expansion example, consider, Angola, which in early 2022 announced to increase the benefit size for Kwenda cash assistance beneficiary households from Kz.8,500 ($13.46) to Kz.11,000 ($17.42) per month. However, this increase as not be implemented at the time of review. Next, example is on vertical and horizontal expansion. On October 20, 2021, the World Bank approved a third additional financing to Burkina Faso, which includes vertical expansion to cover 77,500 households (459,145.14 individuals; 2.20% of the population) of regular cash transfers (via Social Safety Net Project). The measure will cost $10 million. The regular cash transfer program provides each household with quarterly cash transfers of CFAF 35,000 ($63.12) each in March, June, September, and December during a three- year cycle. The vertical expansion plans to provide two additional cash transfers in the same amount each in July and August, while horizontal expansion of beneficiaries will receive the same amount for three months over July-September. In terms of in-kind measures, these are present in Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, and Mauritius. On 15 April 2022, under the Tea Sector Support Scheme, Mauritius has increased funding financial year 2021-22 from Rs 5 million ($119,926.70; 0.001% of its GDP) to Rs 12 million (287,824.08; 0.003 of its GDP) for the provision of voucher indicating the quality of fertilizer to be distributed to 1,038 registered small tea planters (0.08% of the population). Second example relates to public works which was implemented in Liberia, Malawi, and Niger. Malawi is providing additional financial support for Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project. It includes horizontal expansion of cash-for-work component or Climate Smart enhanced Public Works Program with additional 400,000 beneficiary households (1.8 million individuals; 9.43% of the population), with six months of work per year. The region has recorded 23 tax related measures across 15 economies.74 These measures all belong to indirect taxes. They can further be categorized as follows: (i) VAT (12 measures); (ii) custom (6 measures); (iii) excise (3 measures); and (iv) others (2 measures). Examples for each follow. Benin, on 32 23 March 2022, decided to suspend the implementation of the readjustment of VAT on electricity until the end of 2022. Next, Gabon, May 2022, abolished customs duties on imports of 23 basic goods. Similarly, Zambia in January 2022, announced that it would waive off/ suspend excise duty, import duty and VAT on fuel until the end of June 2022. Following which, it extended this suspension for another 3 months. To give another example, Togo, in May 2022, has suspended the payment of market ticket taxes on all markets for a period of 3 months. Next, batch of 11 measures relate to trade, being implemented across 11 countries.75 Of which, 8 measures relate to export/import ban, while the remain relate to easing of trade restriction and come from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Example for each category follows. Ghana, on April 11, 2022, extended the ban on export of maize and soya beans until the 20 September 2022. The measure was initially put in place in September 2021. Zimbabwe, late May 2022, eased the trade restriction by removing mandatory import licenses/permit requirement on basic commodities, such as sugar and milk powder76 and as a result allowing people to import with the license/permit. Based on the available data, the region so far plans to spend $17.9 billion77, out of which $15.85 billion is planned to be spent on subsidies, $1.57 billion on social assistance and the rest on tax relief. Such programs aim to reach 65.27 million individuals.78 Social assistance and subsidies from the region have an average transfer size of $1.20 per day, which represents 64.18% of the median daily income.79 And the average duration of measures in the region is 7 months.80 33 East Asia and Pacific (EAP) In East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, a total number of 50 measures have been implemented across 16 economies81 to help mitigate the effects of the rising fuel and food prices. The majority of the measures (27) passed in EAP are fuel and food subsidies by governments. Subsidies are followed by social assistance measures (11). The measures passed in EAP region account for 8% of total global measures in this version of the tracker. Table A1.2. Number of measures and share of total EAP World EAP as a share of Component No. of Share of No. of Share of the global Measures Total Measures Total Response Subsidies 23 46% 219 36% 10% Social assistance 13 26% 148 24% 9% Tax measures 4 8% 134 22% 3% Trade related measures 5 10% 61 10% 8% Labor market programs 5 10% 23 4% 21% Social insurance - - 24 4% - Total 50 100% 609 100% 8% Within subsidies, fuel subsidies consist of 11 measures, followed by fee subsidies which account for 8 measures, followed by fertilizer subsidies 2 measures (from China), and food subsidies reporting 2 measures from Indonesia and Malaysia. Trends in subsidies largely consist of fuel subsidies to cap the fuel prices under certain prices. For example, Japan has set aside 1.2 trillion yen ($9.4 billion) that are being used for oil subsidy programs through the end of September 2022. These subsidies are helping to keep the oil prices in Japan under an average of 30-35 yen ($0.21-$0.25) per liter. In Thailand, the cabinet introduced a round of measures to help with rising prices of fuel. To help with cutting the cost of living, a 50% subsidy on the diesel prices has been introduced for three months from July to September. Previously, on May 19, 2022, Indonesia announced an additional $24 billion (2.02% of the GDP) to increase energy subsidies because of rising commodity prices. In social assistance measures, responses have been predominantly in the form of cash assistance. A total number of 8 cash transfer measures were passed in the region. In a unique cash transfer example, Indonesia announced that in response to rising cooking oil prices it will provide poor households and street vendors with unconditional cash transfers amounting up to IDR100,000 ($67.16) per month so the money can be used as a cushion from the rising cooking oil prices. Previously, Macau’s permanent residents will receive a medical voucher worth MOP600 ($74.9) starting from May 2022, to be used over the next two years. In the cash transfer front, Japan, for instance, announced a relief package of JPY1.3 trillion ($11 billion; 0.24% of its GDP) for cash payouts to low-income households. When looking at fee subsidies, there are 8 measures implemented across EAP; green energy subsidies (3 measures); Utility discount (3 measures); transportation subsidies (1 measure from New Zealand); rental/housing subsidies (1 measure from Taiwan). In green energy subsidies the Australian state of Queensland has announced subsidies on electric vehicles (EVs) to help with rising oil prices. $3000 AUD will be provided for any EVs purchased that are priced under $58,000 AUD. In fuel subsidies, Singapore has announced a $1.5 billion package to provide 34 inflation relief in the form of fuel subsidies. A one-off $100 Household Utilities Credit for every citizen will be provided for utility bills. Previously, Thailand provided subsidies for electric passenger cars based on their battery capacity. Passenger cars with 10 to 30 kWh battery and over 30 kWh battery capacity will receive a 70,000-baht ($2,111) and 150,000-baht ($4,523) subsidy, respectively. Subsidies are also provided for a variety of services such as transportation, water, electricity, heating and housing. For example, New Zealand announced that it would reduce public transport fares by 50%. Similarly, starting from June 2022, Hong Kong’s households will receive an electricity subsidy credited to their electricity accounts of HK$80 ($10.3) for 11 consecutive months, and HK$120 ($15.4) in the 12th month, adding up to a total of HK$1,000 ($128.6) in subsidy. To preserve food stocks for the local population, governments in the region have implemented import/export restrictions (e.g., China, Malaysia, and Vietnam). For example, China has tightened the regulations for fertilizer exports by introducing a new requirement of inspection prior to export. At the same time, some economies have slowly started easing their trade restrictions (e.g., Indonesia and South Korea). For example, on May 19, 2022, Indonesia lifted the ban on palm oil exports previously introduced in April to ease the tight pressure on global food prices. Subsequently, on May 20, 2022, the government again re-imposed domestic sales requirements on palm oil. Same as the last version of the tracker, fertilizer subsidies in the region were implemented only in China, which allocated $1.5 billion (0.01% of its GDP) to grain farmer subsidies to offset soaring production costs. The one-off subsidy aims to support summer harvest and autumn sowing. Economies have also implemented wage subsidies under labor market-related measures. A total of 3 measures were implemented, from which 2 programs have already ended. For example, on March 18, 2022, Malaysia announced RM20.63 billion ($4.98 billion; 1.34% of its GDP) in wage subsidies to preserve 2.96 million local jobs with the program coming to a successful ending. Based on the available data, the countries in the region plan to spend $42.9 billion,82 of which $22.47 billion will be spent on subsidies, $14.80 billion on social assistance, $6.44 billion on labor market programs and the rest on tax measure. Such programs aim to reach 147.51 million individuals.83 Social assistance and subsidies from the region have an average transfer size of $3.03 per day, which represents 12.83% of the median daily income.84 And the average duration of measures in the region is 4 months.85 35 Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Response in the ECA region accounts for 46% of the total measures reported in this version of the tracker, with 277 measures adopted across 45 economies86 (see table A.1.3). Following the global trend, most of the measures fall under subsidies (31%). Followed by social assistance (25%), tax measures (24%), trade- related measures (8%), social insurance (7%) and labor market (5%). Table A1.3. Number of measures and share of total ECA World ECA as a share of Component No. of Share of No. of Share of the global response measures total measures total Subsidies 87 31% 219 36% 40% Social assistance 68 25% 148 24% 46% Tax measures 67 24% 134 22% 50% Trade related measures 23 8% 61 10% 38% Labor market programs 13 5% 23 4% 57% Social insurance 19 7% 24 4% 79% Grand total 277 100% 609 100% 45% Subsidies consist of 87 measures in total, across 35 economies.87 Within subsidies, fee subsidy is the most popular, with 55 measures implemented across 28.88 Majority of these belong to utility discounts (30 measures), followed by fee price control (11 measures). Rest of the sub-categories have very little measures: transportation (4 measures), green energy subsidy (4 measures), mortgage (3 measures), housing subsidy (2 measures) and education (1 measure). Example of each of them are as follows. Belgium, on 2 October 2021, extended the social energy tariff introduced during the pandemic until the end of March 2022. It costed €208 million ($246 million; 0.04% of its GDP) and targeted nearly 500 thousand households (1.16 million individuals; 10.05% of the population). On March 14, 2022, government extended social tariff until 30 September 2022, and the measure benefitted 880 thousand families (2.04 million individuals; 17.69% of the population) and is expected to cost EUR 600 million ($709.64 million; 0.12% of its GDP) for Jan-Sep 2022 (almost double that of 2021). On June 18, 2022, social tariff was further extended until the end of 2022. An example of fee price control come from France, which on 7 July 2022, as part of a package announced a 3.5% cap on rental increase. Next example is related to subsidized or free transportation. Andorra, on April 30, 2022, created a free monthly season ticket for all residents and to lower the price of school transport. To provide another example on fee subsidies, interest rate was reduced on overdue payments to the state, municipalities, utilities and others by up to 8% in Bulgaria. Next popular measure within subsidies is fuel subsidy (21 measures) across 14 economies. 89 Fuel subsidies, can be broadly classified into 2 parts: (i) fuel subsides that cover part of the cost; (ii) price cap on fuel. Large share of fuel subsidies in the region pertains to the former category (12 measure). For example, Bulgaria offered a discount of 0.25 levs ($0.15) per liter of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas and methane starting from July until the end of the year. Next example relates to price control. in March 2022, Slovenia set the maximum retail price for 95-octane gasoline at EUR1.503 ($1.78) per liter and for diesel at EUR 1.541 ($1.82) per liter for a duration of one month. On April 1, price control on fuel price was extended, and set at wholesale price which is lower than the previously set price. The wholesale prices were frozen at EUR1.483 ($1.75) per liter and EUR1.521 (1.80) per liter of petrol and 36 diesel, respectively, for one month. On May 10, the government again reintroduced a price cap on motor fuels by increasing the maximum retail prices to EUR 1.560 ($1.85) per liter and EUR 1.668 ($1.97) per liter for petrol and diesel, respectively. This measure was in place until Early August. Next, there are 8 fertilizer subsidies and 3 food subsidies recorded across 3 economies 90 and 6 economies,91 respectively. Subsidies on fuel and fertilizer, can again be broadly classified as: (i) fuel/fertilizer subsides that cover part of the cost; (ii) price cap on fuel/fertilizer products. Food subsidies consist of 2 price control and one reduction in food price measures, while all fertilizer subsidy measures relate to the reduction in fertilizer cost. Examples for each of such subsidies are as follows. Starting with fertilizer and agricultural subsidies, Poland announced to provide fertilizer subsidies to agricultural producers bought between 1 September 2021 and 15 May 2022. The subsidy will cover up to 50 hectare of land and will amount to PLN 500 ($129.47) per hectare of agricultural land and PLN250 (64.73) per hectare of meadows, pastures and grassland on arable land. Aid for farmers has also been designed so that on the basis of invoices for purchases of fertilizers, compensation can be paid. It will be a compensation of around PLN 1,500 ($388.41) to one ton of fertilizer. As of May 2022, 37,000 farmers (0.01% of the population) have submitted their application. The following examples relate to food subsidies. On March 6, 2022, Czech Republic planned to cap prices for food and other raw materials. To give another example, Tajikistan in order to stabilize prices has established mobile sales outlets in the market and has been selling a fixed amount of staple food to the public at relatively low prices. After subsidies, social assistance measures were the most used responses, with 25% of the measures (68 responses) implemented across 26 economies.92 Similar to the global trend, cash measures majority (74%; 50 measures). Followed by, 14 in-kind (21%) and 4 social insurance (5%) measures. Within cash measures, 11 measures experienced adaptations. Of which, 9 are “vertical only” expansion, 1 “horizontal and vertical” expansion, and 1 admin simplification. To provide an example of such expansions, consider, Denmark, in April 2022, announced the regulatory increase from April 1 for several social benefits will be 1.8%. This concerns the active solidarity income (RSA) which will therefore be EUR575.52 ($680.69) per month for a single person without children. In July 2022, the active solidarity income was further increased by 4%. Thus, an RSA beneficiary without children who received EUR575.52 ($680.69) per month will receive around EUR23 ($27.20) more, making it EUR598 ($707.28). Similarly, examples of other social assistance programs are as follows. Starting with in-kind measures which can be broadly classified into in-kind distribution (of food and non-food; 2 measures) and voucher (for food and non-food; 12 measures). Romania in mid-April 2022 announced to provide 4.7 million pensioners and other low-income families (24.37% of the population) with vouchers for basic food products worth EUR50 ($59.14) every two months. The vouchers will be distributed bi-monthly until January 2023. Second example relates to social pension. France announced regulatory increase for several social benefits by 1.8%, starting from April 1, 2022, and the disabled adult allowance (AAH), disability pensions and all family benefits, will benefit from it. Next, the region has recorded 67 tax related measures across 28 economies.93 Of which 16 measures belong to direct tax and remain to indirect tax (51 measures). Within indirect taxes, they can further be 37 classified as: (i) income tax (14 measure); (ii) road tax (1 measure); (iii) property tax (1 measures). Similarly, indirect tax can also be further categorized as: (i) VAT (29 measures); (ii) custom (1 measures); (iii) excise (15 measures); and (iv) others (6 measures). Examples for each follow. Starting with income tax, Albania, from April, will stipulate the zero tax for salaries up to 40,000 Albanian lek ($386.40), halving the tax for salaries up to ALL50,000, and reducing the tax for salaries from ALL150,000 ($1,449.00) to ALL 200,000 (1,931.99). About 360,000 employees (12.69% of the population) across the country are expected to benefit from policy. Next example is on road tax from Czech Republic, which in late April 2022, cancelled road taxes for cars, buses and trucks up to twelve tons. One last example from direct tax pertains to property tax. United Kingdom, in early February 2022, introduced a GBP150 ($206.31) council tax rebate starting April 1, 2022, which mean that council tax costs will not rise for the majority of people, including those on the lowest incomes. Moving on to examples related to indirect tax. First example relates to reduction/exemption of VAT on food or other items. Bulgaria, on May 18, 2022, introduced a zero VAT rate on the supply of bread and flour for one year. Next pertains to excise reduction. Montenegro, on May 5, 2022, announced reduction in excise duties for fuels by 50%. One last example relating to custom duty. North Macedonia, on 10 March 2022, will also remove customs duties on all imports of basic food products. Next, batch of 23 measures relate to trade, being implemented across 13 countries. 94 Of which, 20 measures relate to export/import ban, while the remain relate to easing of trade restriction and come from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Turkey. Example for each category follows. For example, Hungary, on March 4, 2022, announced export restriction on all grains95 by imposing export licensing requirement effective immediately due to price increases caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Next, example pertain to import easing from Kazakhstan, which in late February replaced the ban on potatoes and carrot with quotas in the amount of 144,500 tons and 57,500 tons, respectively. The duration of the current restriction was 3 months until May 1, 2022. The ban was initially placed on January 22, 2022. There are 19 social insurance measures across 13 economies.96 These measures can be categorized as (i) pension increase (12 measures); (ii) social security contribution (6 measures); and (iii) unemployment insurance (1 measure). Example for each category follow. Lithuania the government has devoted EUR106.3 million ($125.73 million; 0.19% of its GDP) to increase old-age pensions by 5%. Similarly, while the Swedish parliament increased pensions by SEK1,000 per month ($116.60) in a package that will cost ca. SEK14 billion ($1.63 billion; 0.26% of its GDP). Next relates to social security contribution reduction. France, where self-employed will benefit from a permanent reduction in their contributions, generating a gain of EUR550 ($650.51) per year at the level of the minimum wage. To give another example on social insurance, consider one from Belgium on unemployment insurance. In Belgium, workers will receive an allowance corresponding to 70% of their average salary with a ceiling (EUR2,955.69 or $ 3,495.81 per month), regardless of the reason for the temporary unemployment. Starting from March 2022, all workers temporarily unemployed for reasons of force majeure (except for medical force majeure) will receive, in addition to the unemployment benefit, a supplement of EUR5.98 ($7.07) per day. This measure was expected to end in June 2022. Next batch of 13 measures pertain to labor market and were implement across 8 economies.97 All these measures are related to wage increase. For example, in North Macedonia there was a 15% increase in wages for all staff working in kindergarten, primary, and secondary school as announced on July 11th, 38 2022. Moreover, the United Kingdom announced an increase of the national living wage for workers aged 23 and above to GBP9.50 ($13.1) an hour, which is a 6.6% increase from the current wage. Based on available data, the region plans to spend $137.81 billion98. Out of such spending, $62.27 billion is planned to be spent on social assistance, $42.69 billion on tax measures, $30.93 billion on subsidies, $1.91 billion on social insurance and 12 million on labor market. Such programs aim to reach 291.46 million individuals.99 Social assistance and subsidies from the region have an average transfer size of $5.61 per day, which represents 17.39% of the median daily income.100 And the average duration of measures in the region is 5 months.101 39 Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) The economies in the LAC region have announced or implemented a variety of measures in response to the global price shock. This tracker records 76 measures across 29 economies102 within the LAC region (see table A.1.4), representing 12% of the global response. Following the global trend, most of the measures fall under subsidies (37%), followed by tax measures (31%), social assistance (21%), trade- related measures (4%), labor market program measure (4%), and social insurance (3%). Table A1.4 Number of measures and share of the total Component LAC World LAC as a share of N. of Share of N. of Share of the global response Measures Total Measures Total Subsidies 28 37% 219 36% 13% Social assistance 17 21% 148 24% 11% Tax measures 23 31% 134 22% 17% Trade related measures 3 4% 61 10% 5% Labor market programs 3 4% 23 4% 13% Social insurance 2 3% 24 4% 8% Total 76 100% 609 100% 12% Beginning with subsidy measures, there are 28 such measures recorded across 20 economies within LAC.103 Within the category of subsidies, the sub-category of fuel subsidies accounts for almost two thirds of the total subsidy measures (64%) with 18 measures across 17 economies.104 Of these, 10 are price control measures aimed at controlling or freezing the price of fuel at certain target prices. The other 8 measures within fuel subsidies correspond to subsidies which aim to reduce the price of fuel for consumers. For example, Panama put a price control on fuel on July 18th, freezing the price of regular gasoline at USD $3.25 a gallon. This measure is expected to cost the government USD $200 million (0.31% of GDP). The other 10 measures within subsidies are evenly divided between fee subsidy measures and food subsidy measures. Fee subsidies account for 5 measures across 5 economies.105 For example, the Peruvian government is adding a subsidy to reduce energy and electricity bills by 15% for low-income households. All fee subsidy measures aim to reduce the burden of increasing costs of utilities, primarily electricity. Food subsidies account for 5 measures across 4 economies (Aruba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Panama). For example, the two measures in the Dominican Republic aim to control food prices; one measure which was announced on March 7th is a subsidy of 10% on staple food products (corn, wheat, soy, flour, and vegetable oil), and the second measure is a price freeze on most food products which was announced on April 9th. Next, social assistance measures account for 21% (17 measures) of the total measures in the region, recorded across 9 economies.106 Almost all of the social assistance response measures are cash transfers except for two in-kind measures, one from Guyana and another from Colombia, and one school-feeding measure in Barbados. The in-kind measure in Guyana consists of free fertilizer transfers from the government to citizens after it had pledged to purchase GY$ 1 billion (US$ 4.8 million and 0.06% of GDP) worth of fertilizer. Most new measures in LAC for cash transfers are expansions on existing programs. For example, Chile announced on April 25th a new program called Canasta Básica Protegida, which expands on existing programs and aims to cover 3.1 million people (16% of the total population) with a monthly transfer of minimum CLP 6,410 (US$ 17). Additionally, Uruguay also announced a 40 measure that vertically expands on two existing cash transfer programs by 4%. These two programs are the Asignaciones Familiares-Plan de Equidad and the Tarjeta Social Uruguay; this new measure is expected to reach 800,000 beneficiaries (23% of the total population). In the LAC region, only three trade-related measures are recorded, all of them in Argentina. Two of the measures are aimed at soy products, one measure temporarily bans exports of soybean meal and soybean oil, while the other increases the tax on the export of soy meal and soy oil. The third measure sets a quota on beef exports that is set to last for 2 years. There are also three measures under the labor market category for the region. All three are minimum wage increases. For example, a gradual increase in the minimum wage in Chile that started on May 1, 2022. It will reach a total increase of 14.3% by August 1, 2022, with the option to increase further if inflation reaches higher than 7% by December 2022. The other two are in Argentina and El Salvador. Finally, LAC plans to spend roughly $30.57 billion107 to protect citizens within the region from rising prices. Out of such spending level, $17.74 billion will be spent on social assistance, $9.6 billion on subsidies, $3.23 billion on tax measure and rest on social insurance. Such programs aim to reach 93.32 million individuals.108 Social assistance and subsidies from the region have an average transfer size of $1.68 per day, which represents 13.43% of the median daily income.109 And the average duration of measures in the region is 6 months.110 41 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Within the region, economies have announced or implemented a variety of different measures in response to the global price shock. This tracker so far records 50 measures across 18 economies111 in MENA (see table A.1.5). Following the global trend, most of the measures fall under subsidies. Next popular measures are trade related, followed by social assistance, tax and social insurance measures. Table A1.5. Number of measures and share of total Component MENA World MENA as a share of the N. of Share of N. of Share of global response Measures Total Measures Total Subsidies 18 36% 219 36% 8% Social assistance 11 22% 148 24% 7% Tax measures 7 14% 134 22% 5% Trade related measures 12 24% 61 10% 20% Labor market programs - - 23 4% - Social insurance 2 4% 24 4% 8% Total 50 100% 609 100% 8% The most common measures in MENA come from subsidies, comprising 36% of all recorded measures in the region. This is followed by trade, social assistance, Tax, and social insurance with 24%, 22%, 14% and 4%, respectively. Within subsidies, similar to Africa region and unlike the global trend, food subsidies are the most common with 10 measures recorded from 8 economies,112 making up about 56% of all subsidy measures. Food subsidies can be broadly classified into 2 categories: (i) food subsides that cover part of the cost; (ii) price cap on food products. Both the types of food subsidies have recorded equal representation in the region. First example relates to price control. In February 2022, Qatar stabilized prices of essential items through price control mechanism. Another example relates to subsidies on food item from Egypt, where it launched Ahlan (Welcome) Ramadan Initiative to provide key staples and food commodities at low prices nationwide and about at least 160 vendors took part in the initiative offering discounts up to 30%. Next, there are 2 fuel measures (Oman and UAE) and 1fertilizer subsidies (Oman). Subsidies on fuel and fertilizer, can again be broadly classified as: (i) fuel/fertilizer subsides that cover part of the cost; (ii) price cap on fuel/fertilizer products. Examples for each of such subsidies are as follows. Starting with fuel subsidies, UAE, On 4 July 2022, announced fuel subsidy within broader relief package of Dh28 billion ($7.62bn; 2.12% of its GDP). Emiratis will receive an 85 per cent discount on the cost of petrol above Dh2.10 ($0.57) per liter — the current price is Dh4.6 ($1.25). The allowance is renewed every month to up to 400 liters for the father and if both couples have a car, then 500 liters. The Emirati families113 with income below Dh25,000 per month ($6,807) will benefit from it. The following example relate to fertilizer subsidies. Oman, on 31 May 2022, announced availability of subsidized wheat kernel for the 2022/2023 season to support farmers in achieving self-sufficiency. The ministry plans to provide one ton of wheat seeds for RO300 ($780.23) for the new season. Last comes fee subsidy with 5 measures across Morocco, Tunisia, and United Arab Emirates. Majority of these belong to utility discount (3 measures), followed by transportation discounts (2 measures). Followed by one each from education and housing subsidies, respectively. For example, Morocco, on 42 June 9, 2022, announced a $1.75 billion subsidy increase on cooking gas, besides food items. This is in addition to $1.8 billion already earmarked in the annual budget. Next, batch of 12 measures relate to trade, being implemented across 10 countries. 114 Of which, 11 measures relate to export/import ban, while one measure relate to easing of trade restriction and come from Iraq. Example for each category follows. Kuwait, on 20 March 2022, banned export of grains and vegetable oil to other countries until the end of December 2022. Next example of trade relates to easing of restriction. Iraq, in April 2022, suspended the import restriction (in the form of import licenses) on some goods, including food items, consumables, and medicines, until June 8, 2022. After trade, social assistance measures were the most used responses, with 22% of the measures (11 responses) implemented across 7 economies.115 Similar to the global trend, cash measures majority (73%; 8 measures). Remaining 3 measures belong to in-kind from Egypt and Iraq. Within cash measures, there is one horizontal expansion. Egypt, in March 2022, announced the expansion of Takafol and Karama social protection program coverage to include an additional 450,000 households (1.86 million individuals; 1.82% of the population) with estimated budget of EGP2.7 billion ($172.58 million; 0.04% of its GDP). On July 26th, the government gave directives to expand the number of families benefiting from the program by adding an additional one million families to the program, taking the number of the beneficiaries to more than 20 million citizens nationwide (19.54% of the population). Another example, although not an expansion, Iran, in May 2022, announced that it will provide cash compensations for raise in bread price by paying monthly around 4 million rials ($95) to bottom 30 percent of the population, around 3 million rials ($71) to next 60 percent of the population and no money to the top 10 percent of the population. Next example relates to in-kind measure from Iraq. The government directs to distribute sacrificial meat throughout the year. The region has recorded 7 tax related measures across 7 economies.116 All these measures belonged to indirect taxes, except for one measure from Egypt on income tax, which is a direct tax. The measures in the indirect taxes can be further categorized as follows: (i) VAT (3 measures); (ii) custom (2 measures); and (iii) excise (1 measures). Examples for each follow. Oman, in March 2022, added more food commodities to the list of food items which were subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) at zero rate. The items include barley, corn, flour, beans and some animal feed. Next, Morocco, on June 2, 2022, exempted customs duties on sunflower, soybean, and rapeseed. To give another example, Israel, on April 5, 2022, reduced the excise tax on fuel and hence fuel prices reduced by NIS 0.50 ($0.15) per liter. On July 31, 2022, the government further cut the tax by the same amount for a duration of one month, resulting in a total reduction in tax by NIS 1 ($0.31) per liter. By the end of August, the prices were expected to go up again by NIS 0.50 ($0.15) (i.e., same as the initial tax cut) and this tax cut is expected to continue until the end of January 2023. There are 2 social insurance measure recorded in Egypt and UAE. For example, On March 21, 2022, Egypt announced the allocation of EGP 190.5 billion ($12.18 billion) to increase pensions by 13% (with a minimum of EGP 120 per pensioner). This will take effect in April instead of July 2022. Based on the available data, the region so far plans to spend $39.75 billion117 to protect its citizens from rising prices. Out of such spending, $17.38 billion is planned to be spent on social assistance, $12.18 billion on social insurance and $10.16 billion in subsidies. Such programs aim to reach 149.16 million 43 individuals.118 Social assistance and subsidies from the region have an average transfer size of $16.47 per day, which represents 24.75% of the median daily income.119 And the average duration of measures in the region is 7 months.120 44 North America (NA) The North American region implemented 21 measures across Canada and the U.S., accounting for only 3% of the global response. The majority of the measures in the region belong to social assistance (11 measures), accounting for 52% of the regional response. It is followed by tax measures (5 measures) which make up 24% of the regional response. Next, subsidy measures with 3 measures (14% of the regional response). Followed by labor market measures and social insurance, each with 1 measure (4% of the regional response) (see table A1.6). Table A1.6. Number of measures and share of total Component SAR World NA as a share of the global No. of Share of No. of Share of response measures total measures total Subsidies 3 14% 219 36% 1% Social assistance 11 52% 148 24% 7% Tax measures 5 24% 134 22% 4% Trade related measures - - 61 10% - Labor market measures 1 5% 23 4% 4% Social insurance 1 5% 24 4% 4% Grand total 21 100% 609 100% 3% Social assistance programs from the region are mainly cash assistance (9 measures; 81% of social assistance measures) and in-kind food distribution (2 measures; 9%). Of the 9 cash transfers, 7 measures are from Canada and the remaining are from the U.S. All these measures are one-offs with an average transfer size of $449. In terms of adequacy, they are just 12% of the median income. Some examples are U.S.’s state of Maine that has proposed a $850 cheque to its qualified taxpayers. Similarly, Canada’s Quebec announced a one-off cash transfer of CA$500 ($398.8) to every resident earning less than CA$100,000 ($79,752). It is expected to cover 6.4 million Quebec residents (17% of the country’s population) and cost CA$3.2 billion ($2.6 billion; 0.13% of its GDP). With regard to in-kind measures, both recorded measures come from Canada. For example, Canada’s Nova Scotia province announced to provide CA$1 million ($797,526) to Feed Nova Scotia to distribute among its 140 food banks provincewide. Similarly, another CA$200,000 ($159,505.3) is being announced to be distributed to local food banks across the province that are not part of the Feed Nova Scotia network. Next, all three subsidies from the region have been implemented in Canada. All these measures have been fee subsidies. For example, Canada announced a measure that will cover dental care coverage for Canadians earning less than CAD$90 thousand ($68,630) a year as part of the larger Affordability Plan which encompasses many measures. The remaining one measure from Canada pertained to mortgages and loans. The government announced modification to Advance Payments Program – a federal loan guarantee program – to support farmers ahead of planting season by allowing them to access 100% of their 2022 cash advance by waiving-off the timed installments. This will improve cash flow and enable farmers to purchase fuel, fertilizer, and seeds. 45 There is only one labor market related measure from the region. It comes from Canada’s British Columbia, and it pertains to the wage increase sub-category. In an effort to support workers, the government increased the minimum wage by 45 cents making it CAD$15.65 ($12.48) an hour starting from June 1, 2022. Based on the available data, the region plans to spend $14.84 billion121. Out of such spending, $13.65 billion is planned to be spent on social assistance and the rest on tax measures. Such programs aim to reach 7.26 million individuals.122 Social assistance and subsidies from the region have an average transfer size of $7.48 per day, which represents 14.07% of the median daily income.123 And the average duration of measures in the region is 2 months.124 46 South Asia (SAR) In the South Asia Region (SAR), a total number of 25 measures have been passed across five economies125 to reduce the impact of the rising fuel and food prices across the region. Most measures in SAR region belong to subsidies (8), followed by export and import measures (7) and by measures that are related to taxes (5). Measures passed in the SAR region account for just 4% of the total global responses. Table A1.7. Number of measures and share of total SAR World SAR as a share Component of the global No. of Share of No. of Share of response measures total measures total Subsidies 8 32% 219 36% 4% Social assistance 4 16% 148 24% 3% Tax measures 5 20% 134 22% 4% Trade related measures 7 28% 61 10% 11% Labor market programs 1 4% 23 4% 4% Social insurance 0 0 24 4% 0% Grand total 25 100% 609 100% 4% Subsidies consist of a variety of responses. Similarly, to the previous version of the tracker, food subsidies constitute most of the responses (5 measures) in SAR. It is followed by fertilizer subsidies and fees subsidies with 2 measures (from Bangladesh and India) and 1 measure (Sri Lanka), respectively. When looking at food subsidies in the region, economies have reduced or subsidized the price of food items. For example, on April 20, 2022, Pakistan’s Punjab government reduced by PKR100 ($0.6) the price of a 10kg flour bag, making the cost fall from PKR550 to 450 ($3.4 to $2.8). In the case of fertilizer subsidies, Bangladesh, on June 9, 2022, increased its budget (FY2022-23) to BDT16,000 crore ($1.8 billion; 0.5% of its GDP), compared to BDT12,500 crore ($1.1 billion; 0.4% of its GDP) in FY 2021-22. Next, social assistance measures in SAR have been implemented in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the form of cash transfers. For example, on August 22, 2022, Sri Lanka announced to provide direct cash transfers low-income families after a 290% price hike of kerosene was reported across the country. Previously, Pakistan, on May 28, 2022, announced a new relief package worth PKR28 billion ($171.9 million; 0.05% of its GDP) per month to mitigate the impact of the rise in prices of petroleum products. It aims to reach 14 million lower-income families (85 million individuals; 38.5% of the population) with immediate assistance of PKR2,000 ($12) per month. Lastly, trade-related measures in the region concern export restrictions imposed on wheat (e.g., Afghanistan and India) and sugar (e.g., India and Pakistan). Export restrictions in the region are mainly in the form of bans, except for one measure from India, which imposes a quota. For example, on June 29th, Bangladesh announced that it is putting restrictions on aromatic rice export by cancelling the permission of 41 aromatic rice companies in the country. But in the new version there has been some easing of trade restrictions too. For example, on July 26, Pakistani government announced that it will start removing restrictions on the import of “non-essential and luxury items”. Previously, on May 20, 2022, Afghanistan banned the export of wheat to other economies, while India on May 24, 2022, imposed 47 export restrictions on sugar (raw, refined and white sugar) by setting a cap of 10 million tons on exports to ensure domestic availability. Based on the available data, the region plans to spend $44.40 billion126. Out of this level, $44.23 billion is planned to be spent on subsidies and the rest on social assistance. Such programs aim to reach 146.09 million individuals.127 Social assistance and subsidies from the region have an average transfer size of $0.50 per day, which represents 9% of the median daily income.128 And the average duration of measures in the region is 5 months.129 48 Annex 2. Classification of measures Policy category SP Areas SP Category SP Sub-category 1. Social assistance 1.1.1. Unconditional cash transfers 1.1. Cash transfers 1.1.2. Conditional cash transfers 1.2.1. Old age social pensions 1.2. Social pensions (non-contributory) 1.2.2. Disability pensions 1.3.1. Food vouchers (quantity or value-based) 1.3.2. In-kind food distribution 1.3. In-kind transfers 1.3.3. Health kits and other in-kind transfers 1.3.4. Other in-kind vouchers (quantity or value- based) 1.4.1. School meals (on-site school feeding) 1.4. School feeding 1.4.2. Take-home rations 1.5.1. Cash for work 1.5. Public works 1.5.2. Cash for services 1.5.3. Food for work 2. Social insurance 2.1.1. Old age pensions 2.1. Pensions 2.1.2. Disability pensions 2.1.3. Survivors pensions 2.2.1. Individual retirement accounts and social 2.2. Social security contributions waivers contributions for individuals 2.2.2. Social security contributions for firms 2.3.1. Sickness and population at risk 2.3. Paid leave 2.3.2. Maternity/Paternity 2.4. Health insurance 2.4.1. Health insurance 2.5. Unemployment insurance 2.5.1. Out-of-work income support 3. Labor market programs 3.1.1. Labor market services including intermediation (PES) 3.1. Training & intermediation 3.1.2. Training (vocational, life skills, cash for training, others) 3.2.1. Wage subsidy with reduced work time 3.2. Wage subsidies (including zero working hours) 49 Policy category SP Areas SP Category SP Sub-category 3.2.2. Wage subsidy without reduced work time (include waivers/payments of social security) 3.2.3.Subsidies for job creation that are targeted on newly created jobs 3.3.1. Hiring flexibility 3.3.2. Dismissal procedures 3.3.3. Working conditions/methods 3.3.4. Leave policies 3.3. Labor regulatory adjustment and enforcement 3.3.5. Relaxation of cooling-off periods 3.3.6. Labor inspector interventions including occupational health and workplace safety measures 3.3.7. Other regulatory adjustment 3.4.1. Minimum wage increase 3.4. Wage increase 3.4.2. Public sector wage increase 4. Subsidies 4.1.1. Fuel subsidy 4.1. Fuel subsidies 4.1.2. Price control (fuel) 4.2.1. Food subsidy 4.2. Food subsidies 4.2.2. Price control (food) 4.3.1. Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies 4.3. Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies 4.3.2. Price control (fertilizers) 4.3.3. Changes regulation in using fertilizers 4.4.1. Education (fee waivers/vouchers) 4.4.2. Health (fee waivers/vouchers) 4.4.3. Housing (rent support) 4.4.4. Utility discount (e.g., Water, electricity, heating, cooking gas) 4.4. Fees subsidies 4.4.5. Transportation 4.4.6. Money transaction fees 4.4.7. Mortgages and other loans 4.4.8. Exemption/reduction on taxes (VAT, excise duty) 4.4.10. Other 50 Policy category SP Areas SP Category SP Sub-category 4.4.11. Price control (fees) 4.4.12. Green energy subsidies (e.g., EV subsidies) 5. Trade related measures 5.1.1. Export/import restriction 5.1. Export/import restriction or easing 5.1.2. Export/import easing 6. Tax measures 6.1.1. Income Tax 6.1.2. Property tax 6.1. Direct taxes 6.1.3. Road tax 6.1.4. Others 6.2.1. VAT 6.2.2. Excise duty 6.2. Indirect taxes 6.2.3. Custom duty 6.2.4. others 51 Annex 3. Coverage methodology Coverage definition. Coverage is defined as the number of beneficiaries (individuals) for the highest coverage program in each economy, regardless of the duration of the program (i.e., one-off or multiple). One limitation of this definition is that it does not account for the duration of the programs as it does not differentiate between programs that offer only one-off benefits and programs that provide multiple benefits. Coverage calculation. If programs target individuals, then we consider the individuals as the direct beneficiaries. For programs that target households, the analysis considered all households’ members as direct beneficiaries. Therefore, all programs where the beneficiary’s unit is households were converted into individuals to get the direct beneficiaries. Converting households into individuals was done using economies’ average household size acquired from the UN Database on Household Size and Composition.130 One caveat with this conversion method is that using the average household size of the economy, and not of the program, can overestimate the coverage. Aggregating. To avoid the risk of duplication (counting beneficiaries more than once), only the highest coverage per economy is used. Once the risk of duplication is eliminated and beneficiary units are unified (i.e., all beneficiary units, irrespective of households or individuals are converted into individuals), then they are aggregated at the global level. However, using the highest coverage per economy will result in conservative coverage since beneficiaries of smaller programs are not counted. Illustrative example. The procedure for how coverage is calculated is shown below. Suppose economy A’s highest coverage program is supporting 300 households, and economy B’s highest coverage program is supporting 1000 individuals, with economy A’s average household size being 2, while economy B’s is 3. Type of coverage Calculation Final coverage Coverage for economy A 300 hhs*2 600 individuals Coverage for economy B 1000 ind 1000 individuals Aggregate coverage 1600 individuals Final coverage count. Applying this methodology resulted in over half a billion people being reached by the global response (see table A2.1). Two-thirds of the global coverage (347 million) will be covered by subsidies, while one-third (172.4 million) will be supported through social assistance (mostly cash transfers except for Romania and Slovenia). These figures are conservative given that only the highest coverage per economy is used. Looking at the highest coverage per instrument per economy, social assistance programs reached 367 million in 26 economies, while subsidy programs reached 347 million beneficiaries in 15 economies. However, 6 economies have coverage information on both social assistance and subsidies. 131 In all of these 6 economies, coverage for subsidies was larger, therefore, only the subsidy coverage was included in the aggregate coverage. This is why the sum of the social assistance coverage (367 million) and subsidies coverage (347 million) does not equal 519.4 million. 52 Annex 4. Social assistance and subsidies: descriptive statistics Social assistance program Coverage (in individuals) Coverage EUR300 one-off energy assistance 83,240,525 100% (Germany)* Cash Transfers for Bread (Iran)* 75,591,000 90% Emergency Food Security Support law 35,000,000 87% (Iraq) Energy voucher (Slovenia) 1,751,855 83% E-card fuel rebate program (Greece)* 6,300,000 59% Energy vouchers expansion (France) 38,000,000 56% Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0 (Poland)* 19,710,664 52% €200 one-off bonus (Italy)* 28,641,179 48% Philippines Targeted Cash Transfer 52,410,601 48% Program (Philippines)* Bono Gas (Dominican Republic) 4,869,107 45% Bono Chile Apoya de Invierno (Chile)* 7,500,000 39% New Relief Package Benazir Income 85,000,000 38% Support Program (Pakistan)* Exceptional aid to neediest families and 37,177,718 36% pensioners (Egypt)* Household Support Fund (United 20,887,034 31% Kingdom)* BLT minyak goreng (Indonesia)* 79,697,699 29% Senegal Direct Cash Aid Program 4,763,902 28% (Senegal)* Auxílio Brasil (Brazil) 66,229,796 25% vouchers for basic food products 4,700,000 24% (Romania)* Nigeria National Social Safety Net 49,994,572 24% Program Scale-Up Project (Nigeria) AUTOvoucher (Portugal) 2,400,000 23% The Familienbeihilfe (Austria)* 1,800,000 20% Quebec $500 one-off CT (Canada)* 6,400,000 17% Assistance Voucher Programme 121,446 15% (Guyana)* Heating Cheques (Denmark) 879,900 15% Czech Children Assistance Program 1,600,000 15% (Czech Republic)* Baxnaano program (Somalia) 2,250,000 14% Fuel Subsidy Mechanism (Jordan)* 1,169,000 11% Climate Smart enhanced Public Works 1,961,379 10% Program (Malawi) Food support (Djibouti)* 90,000 9% Social Safety Net System Project II 310,200 7% (Mauritania) 53 Bus Fare Allowance (Fiji)* 51,700 6% The Social Cash Transfer (Zambia) 1,026,000 6% Burkina Faso Social Safety Net Project 971,000 5% (Burkina Faso) People in Need Moldova (Moldova)* 115,552 4% Social Cash Transfers (Liberia)* 148,372 3% Niger Adaptive Safety Net Project (Niger) 692,271 3% Health of the people and demographic 225,000 2% security (Belarus)* Cost of Living Support for Emiratis 227,040 2% (United Arab Emirates) Energy coupon (Croatia) 90,000 2% 1000 denars vouchers (North Macedonia)* 35,000 2% Taxi-Driver One-Off CT (Macao)* 4,000 1% Summer Nutrition Program (SUN) 1,000 0% (Barbados)* Maine Relief Checks (United States)* 858,000 0% Fertilizer vouchers (Mauritius)* 1,038 0% Eat is first program (Colombia)* 5,879 0% Subsidy program coverage Coverage (in individuals) Coverage HK$1,000 electricity subsidy (Hong 7,936,929 100% Kong)* Electricity subsidy (Cyprus) 1,238,675 100% Electricity and heating compensation 2,591,642 99% (Moldova) Energy Bills Support Scheme (United 65,712,017 98% Kingdom)* Electricity bills compensation 16,003,125 83% (Romania)* One-off S$100 Household Utilities 3,949,722 69% Credit (Singapore)* Energy price subsidy (Estonia) 873,057 66% Ehsaas Riyayat Ration Scheme 136,089,573 62% (Pakistan)* Energy bills general system charges 29,000,000 49% reduction (Italy) Electricity support subsidy (Jamaica)* 1,401,248 47% Fuel and power subsidies (Sweden) 4,400,000 42% Fuel Allowance for Employees (France) 26,664,681 40% Readecuación de Subsidios (Argentina) 13,000,000 29% Social tariff for energy (Belgium) 1,858,765 16% African Risk Capacity (ARC) project 2,997,103 15% (Mali)* Tarifa Social de Energia Eléctrica - Gas 762,320 7% Bottles (Portugal)* 54 Special food subsidy program 10,000,000 6% (Bangladesh)* Government loan holidays. (Poland)* 2,000,000 5% Emergency agricultural programme 850,000 5% (Senegal)* Heating costs subsidy (Lithuania) 110,000 4% Housing rent subsidy program (Taiwan) 500,000 2% Scholarship programs (Spain) 1,000,000 2% Energy bill discount (North Macedonia) 25,900 1% Boosting food production program 67,000 1% (Sierra Leone)* Farmers’ subsidies (Azerbaijan)* 44,423 0% Land Bank (Philippines)* 377,000 0% 55 Annex 5. Coverage of top 10 CT programs Coverage of top 10 CT programs (as a % of population) EUR300 one-off energy allowance (Germany) 100% Cash Transfers for Bread (Iran) 90% Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0 (Poland) 52% EUR200 one-off bonus (Italy) 48% Philippines Targeted Cash Transfer Program (Philippines) 48% Bono Gas (Dominican Republic) 45% Bono Chile Apoya de Invierno (Chile) 39% New Relief Package Benazir Income Support Program… 38% BLT minyak goreng (Indonesia) 29% Senegal Direct Cash Aid Program (Senegal) 28% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Cash transfer coverage (as % of popoulation) Coverage of top 10 CT programs (in terms of number of direct individual beneficiaries) New Relief Package Benazir Income Support Program (Pakistan) 85 EUR300 one-off energy allowance (Germany) 83.24 BLT minyak goreng (Indonesia) 79.7 Cash Transfers for Bread (Iran) 75.59 Auxílio Brasil (Brazil) 66.23 Philippines Targeted Cash Transfer Program (Philippines) 52.41 Nigeria National Social Safety Net Program Scale-Up Project… 49.99 €200 one-off bonus (Italy) 28.64 Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0 (Poland) 19.71 Cost of Living Payment (United Kingdom) 18.78 0 20 40 60 80 Cash transfer coverage (as direct individual beneficaries; in million) 56 Annex 6. Spending Economies Social assistance Social Labor market Subsidies Tax measures Grand Total insurance programs $ million % of $ % of $ % of $ % of $ % of $ % of GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP Albania 198 1.08% 198 1.08% Andorra 12 0.35% 12 0.35% Argentina 9000 1.83% 9000 1.83% Australia 34 0.00% 34 0.00% Austria 40 0.01% 1529 0.32% 1569 0.33% Azerbaijan 13 0.02% 13 0.02% Bangladesh 1880 0.45% 1880 0.45% Barbados 13 0.26% 5 0.11% 18 0.36% Belarus 8 0.01% 8 0.01% Belgium 809 0.13% 2202 0.37% 3011 0.50% Belize 9 0.47% 9 0.47% Benin 144 0.81% 144 0.81% Bosnia and 1 0.00% 1 0.00% Herzegovina Brazil 17562 1.09% 3200 0.20% 20762 1.29% Bulgaria 726 0.90% 1330 1.66% 2056 2.56% Burkina Faso 8 0.04% 8 0.04% Cameroon 1407 3.11% 1407 3.11% Canada 3919 0.20% 3919 0.20% Cape Verde 0.00% 0.00% Chile 40 0.01% 40 0.01% China 8090 0.05% 8090 0.05% Colombia 0.00% 0.00% Congo, Dem. 300 0.56% 300 0.56% Rep. Côte d'Ivoire 4 0.01% 902 1.29% 905 1.30% Croatia 748 1.10% 753 1.11% 1501 2.21% Cyprus 2 0.01% 376 1.36% 378 1.36% Czech Republic 360 0.13% 1 0.00% 361 0.13% Denmark 376 0.09% 76 0.02% 452 0.11% Dominican 169 0.18% 332 0.35% 501 0.53% Republic Egypt 710 0.18% 12177 3.01% 12886 3.19% El Salvador 12 0.04% 12 0.04% Estonia 231 0.64% 231 0.64% France 5647 0.19% 4000 0.14% 9647 0.33% Germany 17800 0.42% 2941 0.07% 3882 0.09% 24624 0.58% Greece 1063 0.49% 1063 0.49% Guyana 9 0.12% 9 0.12% Hong Kong 1544 0.42% 360 0.10% 1904 0.52% Iceland 9 0.03% 110 0.43% 8 0.03% 127 0.50% 57 Economies Social assistance Social Labor market Subsidies Tax measures Grand Total insurance programs $ million % of $ % of $ % of $ % of $ % of $ % of GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP India 42344 1.33% 42344 1.33% Indonesia 1782 0.15% 2216 0.19% 3998 0.34% Iran 10000 4.32% 10000 4.32% Iraq 3852 1.85% 3852 1.85% Ireland 471 0.09% 471 0.09% 941 0.19% Italy 7665 0.37% 1194 0.06% 9059 0.43% 17917 0.85% Jamaica 14 0.10% 14 0.10% Japan 11845 0.24% 11845 0.24% Jordan 42 0.09% 42 0.09% Kenya 1354 1.23% 1354 1.23% Lesotho 12 0.48% 12 0.48% Liberia 45 1.28% 45 1.28% Lithuania 89 0.14% 125 0.19% 687 1.05% 121 0.18% 1022 1.56% Macao 6 0.02% 6 0.02% Madagascar 100 0.68% 100 0.68% Malawi 156 1.24% 156 1.24% Malaysia 166 0.04% 4900 1.31% 6758 1.81% 11824 3.17% Mali 99 0.52% 99 0.52% Mauritania 12 0.14% 12 0.14% Mauritius 0.00% 4 0.03% 4 0.03% Morocco 1750 1.32% 1750 1.32% Netherlands 3294 0.32% 176 0.02% 3176 0.31% 6647 0.65% Niger 67 0.45% 13 0.08% 80 0.53% Nigeria 800 0.18% 11148 2.53% 11948 2.71% North 21 0.15% 1 0.01% 471 3.39% 493 3.55% Macedonia Norway 2541 0.53% 2541 0.53% Oman 845 0.98% 845 0.98% Pakistan 172 0.05% 172 0.05% Panama 200 0.31% 200 0.31% Paraguay 4 0.01% 4 0.01% Philippines 106 0.03% 178 0.05% 285 0.07% Poland 7380 1.09% 1235 0.18% 6473 0.96% 15088 2.24% Portugal 75 0.03% 5 0.00% 80 0.03% Romania 544 0.19% 544 0.19% Rwanda 36 0.33% 36 0.33% Saudi Arabia 2773 0.33% 2773 0.33% Senegal 80 0.29% 303 1.10% 383 1.39% Sierra Leone 2 0.05% 2 0.05% Slovakia 1000 0.87% 1000 0.87% Slovenia 235 0.38% 235 0.38% Somalia 143 1.96% 143 1.96% South Africa 406 0.10% 406 0.10% 58 Economies Social assistance Social Labor market Subsidies Tax measures Grand Total insurance programs $ million % of $ % of $ % of $ % of $ % of $ % of GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP million GDP Spain 11765 0.83% 7059 0.50% 18824 1.32% Sweden 979 0.16% 1679 0.27% 536 0.09% 3195 0.51% Taiwan 1071 0.14% 1071 0.14% Tanzania 109 0.16% 52 0.08% 161 0.24% Thailand 3764 0.74% 94 0.02% 3857 0.76% Togo 31 0.36% 31 0.36% United Arab 7600 2.12% 7600 2.12% Emirates United 16505 0.52% 653 0.02% 6877 0.22% 24035 0.75% Kingdom United States 9729 0.04% 1190 0.01% 10919 0.05% Zambia 170 0.80% 170 0.80% 59 Annex 7. Regional and income level average spending share of GDP Figure 14. Social protection and labor spending by region (% of GDP) 2.00% 1.78% 1.80% 1.60% Spending (% of GDP) 1.40% 1.20% 1.00% 0.83% 0.80% 0.79% 0.80% 0.61% 0.60% 0.53% 0.42% 0.40% 0.20% 0.12% 0.00% AFR (39) EAP (22) ECA (87) LAC (20) MNA (13) North SAR (4) Grand Total America (11) (196) Figure 15. Social protection and labor spending by region (% of GDP) (Min-avg-max) 5.00% 4.32% 4.32% 4.50% 4.00% 3.55% 3.50% 3.17% Spending (% of GDP) 3.11% 3.00% 2.50% 1.83% 1.78% 2.00% 1.33% 1.50% 0.83% 0.80% 0.20% 0.79% 1.00% 0.61% 0.53% 0.42% 0.50% 0.09% 0.12% 0.05% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.05% AFR (39) EAP (22) ECA (87) LAC (20) MNA (13) North SAR (4) Grand Total America (11) (196) 60 Figure 16. Social assistance and subsidies spending by region (% of GDP) 1.60% 1.47% 1.35% 1.40% 1.20% Spending (% of GDP) 1.00% 0.89% 0.84% 0.80% 0.59% 0.59% 0.60% 0.38% 0.42% 0.46% 0.41% 0.46% 0.40% 0.29% 0.20% 0.10% 0.12% 0.05% 0.00% 0.00% SA Subs SA Subs SA Subs SA Subs SA Subs SA Subs SA Subs SA Subs (n=17) (n=19) (n=6) (n=13) (n=30) (n=35) (n=7) (n=8) (n=8) (n=4) (n=8) (n=0) (n=1) (n=3) (n=77) (n=82) AFR EAP ECA LAC MNA NAC SAR Grand Total Figure 17. Social protection and labor spending by income group (% of GDP) 1.20% 1.00% 0.97% 1.00% Spending (% of GDP) 0.79% 0.80% 0.67% 0.62% 0.60% 0.40% 0.20% 0.00% LIC (19) LMIC (40) UMIC (39) HIC (98) Grand Total (196) 61 Figure 18. Social protection and labor spending by income group (% of GDP) (Min-avg-max) 5.00% 4.32% 4.32% 4.50% 4.00% Spending (% of GDP) 3.50% 3.19% 3.00% 2.50% 2.24% 1.96% 2.00% 1.50% 1.00% 0.97% 0.67% 0.79% 1.00% 0.62% 0.50% 0.04% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% LIC (19) LMIC (40) UMIC (39) HIC (98) Grand Total (196) Figure 19. Social assistance and subsidies spending by income group (% of GDP) 1.00% 0.95% 0.90% 0.85% 0.80% 0.77% Spending (% of GDP) 0.70% 0.60% 0.59% 0.60% 0.50% 0.44% 0.46% 0.42% 0.40% 0.33% 0.30% 0.24% 0.20% 0.10% 0.00% SA (n=12) Subs (n=6) SA (n=15) Subs SA (n=14) Subs SA (n=36) Subs SA (n=77) Subs (n=22) (n=18) (n=36) (n=82) LIC LMIC UMIC HIC Grand Total 62 Annex 8. Methodology for adequacy calculation Adequacy is derived by comparing cash transfers from each economy with the 2019 median income or expenditure. Direct and indirect transfers are provided in various durations (e.g., one-off, daily, monthly). Therefore, for the analysis to be comparable and given that the median income/expenditure is available in daily rates, cash transfers were converted into daily rates. For example, if a program provides benefits monthly, it is divided by 30 to get the daily rate. The same rule applies to other duration frequencies (e.g., bi-monthly and quarterly). When a program provides a one-off benefit, it was considered bi-monthly given that the average transfers for the one-off were double that of monthly. In this case, the transfer is divided by 60 to get the daily rate. One caveat is that the median income is adjusted for price changes over time (inflation) and price differences between economies (expressed in international $). In contrast, the transfers are all converted using normal exchange rates. The exchange rates used are “National currency per U.S. Dollar, end of period 2021” from the IMF’s International Financial Statistics (IFS) database132 and UN Operational Rates of Exchange database.133 Finally, median income/expenditure is acquired from Our World in Data database. 63 Annex 9. Adaptations of cash transfer measures Country Program name if available Adaption type Angola Kwenda 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Argentina Prestación Alimentar 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Brazil Auxílio Brasil 3. Vertical expansion and Horizontal expansion Brazil Auxílio Gás dos Brasileiro 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Social Safety Net Project 4. Horizontal expansion (Existing programs) Canada Canada Workers Benefit 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) Chile Canasta Básica Protegida 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Denmark Heating Cheques 3. Vertical expansion and Horizontal expansion Dominican Alimentate (component of Superate 3. Vertical expansion and Horizontal expansion Republic program) Dominican Bono Gas 3. Vertical expansion and Horizontal expansion Republic Egypt Takafol and Karama 4. Horizontal expansion (Existing programs) France Active solidarity income 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) France Active bonus most precarious worker 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) France "Macron" purchasing power bonus 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Fiji After Care Funds 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) Fiji Bus Fare Allowance 5. Advanced payment Germany Increase in payments for poor children 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Iraq Emergency Food Security Support law 4. Horizontal expansion (Existing programs) Malawi AF for Social Support for Resilient 3. Vertical expansion and Horizontal expansion Livelihoods Project North Supplementary Budget CT 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Macedonia North Supplementary Budget-Pensions 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Macedonia Peru Juntos 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) Peru Pensión 65 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) Peru Contigo 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) Singapore GSTV – Cash Special Paymen 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) Somalia Baxnaano program 3. Vertical expansion and Horizontal expansion Sri Lanka Pensioners income 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Sri Lanka Samurdhi Program 1. Vertical expansion (multiple payments) Sweden Temporary extra child allowanc 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) United Pensioner Cost of Living Payment 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) Kingdom United Winter Fuel Payment: 6. Admin simplification (flexible time of collection, Kingdom postponement of recertification, etc.) United Non-Means-Tested Disability Benefit 2. Vertical expansion (one-off) Kingdom Jordan Fuel Subsidy Mechanism 3. Vertical expansion and Horizontal expansion Zambia The Social Cash Transfer 3. Vertical expansion and Horizontal expansion 64 Annex 10. Classification of trade measures, by restrictions type Export/import restriction Economy Commodity category Restricted items Type of restriction Afghanistan 1. Food Wheat 1. Ban Sugar, pasta, oil, semolina Algeria 1. Food and all wheat derivatives 1. Ban Argentina 1. Food Beef meat 2. Quota Soyabean meal and Argentina 1. Food soyabean oil 1. Ban Soyabean meal and Argentina 1. Food soyabean oil 3. Tax increase Flour-grinding industry goods, starch, wheat 4. Restriction in the form gluten, oilseeds and other of additional permission seeds, medicinal and (e.g., license requirement, Azerbaijan 1. Food industrial crops, and feeds inspection, etc.) 4. Restriction in the form of additional permission (e.g., license requirement, Bangladesh 1. Food Aromatic rice inspection, etc.) 4. Restriction in the form of additional permission (e.g., license requirement, Bulgaria 1. Food oil products inspection, etc.) Millet flour, corn flour, Burkina Faso 1. Food sorghum flour 1. Ban Cameroon 1. Food Cereal, vegetable oil 1. Ban Chad 1. Food Cereals and groundnuts 1. Ban 4. Restriction (additional permission requirement, letter requirement, China 2. Fertilizers Fertilizers inspection, etc.) Plantain banana, yams, local rice, cassava and its 4. Restriction (additional derivatives (e.g., Attiéké), permission requirement, and maize and its letter requirement, Côte d'Ivoire 1. Food derivatives. inspection, etc.) Lentils, pasta, wheat, flour, fava beans, Egypt 1. Food vegetable oil, and corn 1. Ban Ghana 1. Food Maize, soybean, and rice 1. Ban Georgia 1. Food Wheat and barley 1. Ban 4. Restriction in the form Wheat, rye, barley, oats, of additional permission corn, soybeans, and (e.g., license requirement, Hungary 1. Food sunflower seed inspection, etc.) Wheat, Wheat flour, India 1. Food Maida, semolina. 1. Ban India 1. Food Sugar 2. Quota 65 Tomatoes, potatoes, Iran 1. Food eggplants, and onions 1. Ban Ice, sugar, dried milk, dry legumes, fodder, wheat and by-products, flour, fodder maize, fodder concentrates, as well as ghee and vegetable oils of 4. Restriction in the form all kinds (corn oil, of additional permission sunflower oil, palm oil (e.g., license requirement, Jordan 1. Food and soybean oil). inspection, etc.) Wheat and wheat flour, and Sunflower by- Kazakhstan 1. Food products 2. Quota Sugar (white and cane), Kazakhstan 1. Food and Live cattle 1. Ban Wheat, corn, flour, vegetable oil, salt, and Kosovo 1. Food sugar 1. Ban Grains, Vegetable oils, Kuwait 1. Food Chicken meat 1. Ban Mineral fertilizers Kyrgyz Republic 2. Fertilizers 1. Ban Wheat and meslin, wheat flour, rice, macaroni products, vegetable oils, eggs, sugar and almost all types of feed for Kyrgyz Republic 1. food agricultural animals. 1. Ban Fruits and vegetables, milled grain products, Lebanon 1. Food sugar, and bread 1. Ban Libya 1. Food All types of fish 1. Ban Malaysia 1. Food Chickens 1. Ban 4. Restriction in the form of additional permission (e.g., license requirement, Moldova 1. Food Wheat, corn, and sugar inspection, etc.) 4. Restriction in the form of additional permission (e.g., license requirement, Morocco 1. Food Tomato inspection, etc.) Beetroot, butternut, cabbage, English cucumber, colored pepper, green pepper, 4. Restriction in the form onion, pumpkin, sweet of additional permission potato, and round and jam (e.g., license requirement, Namibia 1. Food tomatoes. inspection, etc.) wheat, barley, corn, wheat North Macedonia 1. Food flour 1. Ban Pakistan 1. Food Sugar 1. Ban Serbia 1. Food Wheat, corn, flour, and oil 1. Ban 66 Sudan 1. Food Wheat 1. Ban Food items include garlic, onions, potatoes, butter, oils, eggs, among other Syria 1. Food products. 1. Ban Tunisia 1. Food Fruits and vegetables 1. Ban Grains, oilseeds, cooking oil, shipments, margarine, red lentils, and dry beans, and a few other Turkey 1. Food agricultural commodities 1. Ban Cattle, sheep and goat Turkey 1. Food meat 2. Quota Maize, soybeans, rice, and Uganda 1. Food wheat 3. Tax increase Vegetable oils and oilseeds, including 4. Restriction in the form cottonseed oil and of additional permission sunflower oil, sunflower (e.g., license requirement, Uzbekistan 1. Food seed and other oilseeds inspection, etc.) Vietnam 2. Fertilizers Fertilizers 3. Tax increase Export/import easing Economy Commodity category Restricted items Type of restriction Salt, sugar, flour (buckwheat flour, wheat flour), certain types of cereals (buckwheat, rice, semolina, oats, oat flakes, Belarus 1. Food millet). 2. Quota 6. Removal of Restriction in the form of additional permission (e.g., license wheat, rice, sugar, edible requirement, inspection, Ethiopia 1. Food oils, and instant baby milk etc.) 4. Restriction in the form of additional permission (e.g., license requirement, Indonesia 1. Food Palm oil inspection, etc.) Iraq 1. Food Food and medicine 5. Removal of restriction Kazakhstan 1. Food Potatoes, and carrots 2. Quota 6. Removal of Restriction in the form of additional permission (e.g., license maize grain and raw requirement, inspection, Kenya 1. Food materials for animal feeds etc.) North Macedonia 1. Food Sunflower oil 5. Removal of restriction non-essential and luxury Pakistan 3. Others items 5. Removal of restriction South Korea 2. Fertilizers Urea 5. Removal of restriction Turkey 1. Food Butter, Olive oil 5. Removal of restriction sugar, milk powder, 6. Removal of Restriction Zambia 1. Food; 3. Others infants milk formula, in the form of additional 67 petroleum jelly, bath permission (e.g., license soap, laundry bar and requirement, inspection, washing powder etc.) 68 Annex 11. Measures by countries and territories Afghanistan Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase May 20, 2022, Afghanistan has banned export of wheat to other Trade Export/import restriction countries.134 69 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 70 Albania Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On March 12, 2022, the government of Albania has allocated an additional amount of $5 million to increase its tax-free oil support scheme to over 1.4 billion lek or $14 million for farmers throughout the country under the most recent Social Resistance Package. For a second consecutive year, farmers cultivating wheat, corn, maize, beans, sunflowers, oats, rye, aromatic-medicinal plants, etc benefit from tax-free oil under the government’s subsidies scheme.135 Subsidies Fees subsidies On March 12, 2022, to support public transportation in the country, Albania will allocate 500 million Albanian lek to pay for the differences in ticket prices, so that the ticket prices for the citizens do not change.136 On March 12, 2022, Albania will add 20 billion Albanian lek to the financing which goes to the payment of electricity bills for households and small businesses.137 On March 12, 2022, the government will compensate 3,000 Albanian lek monthly for three months in a row as a compensation for all Unconditional cash transfers retirees, vulnerable groups and those who benefit from the economic scheme that receive less than the minimum wage.138 Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Social Insurance Paid sick leave 71 Health insurance On March 12, 2022, the government allocated 3.6 billion Albanian lek Pensions (around 32 million U.S. dollars) to index all pensions nationwide. The measure is effective for all pensioners starting from April.139 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Starting from April, the minimum wage in the country will increase to Wage increase 32,000 Albanian lek from the current minimum wage of 30,000 Albanian lek.140 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Starting from April, Albania will implement the law which stipulates the zero tax for salaries up to 40,000 Albanian lek, halving the tax for Direct tax salaries up to 50,000 Albanian lek, and reducing the tax for salaries Tax from 150,000 to 200,000 Albanian lek. 360,000 employees across the country will benefit from it.141 Indirect tax 72 Algeria Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On 13 March 2022, Algeria imposed ban on exports of all consumer Trade Export/import restriction products that Algeria imports, including sugar, pasta, oil, semolina and all wheat derivatives.142 73 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On February 13, 2022, Algerian abolished/freezes taxes, fees and other Indirect tax on certain food items until further notice.143 74 Andorra Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies April 30, 2022, Andorra has approved an extraordinary budget of 1.5 million euros for the Renova Plan. This aims to subsidies the switch to more efficient heating systems, installation of photovoltaic solar panels and the replacement of windows. It will be awarded though a bidding process and is for residential dwellings, where 70% of the dwellings are the primary residence, either owned or rented, with a Subsidies maximum surface area of 130 m2.144 April 30, 2022, Andorra made criteria for accessing housing aid more flexible, as applications may now be submitted after 3 years of residence, whereas before it was 5 years.145 On April 30, 2022, Andorra created a free monthly season ticket for all residents and to lower the price of school transport to benefit more families. This will promote mobility and encourage citizens to use public transport over private.146 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance [June 2022] Social security pensions with monthly amounts below the Pensions minimum inter-professional wage will be increased by 3.67% from 1 75 June. This relates to retirement pensions, widows’ and widowers’ pensions, disability pensions due to non-occupational and occupational accidents, and pensions for common or occupational illnesses, and will be applied when the individual concerned has contributed for at least 25 years. The law also stresses that the total cost will not be assumed by social security but by the Andorran government, so as not to affect the CASS (Andorran Social Security Fund) pension system.147 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Wage subsidies The first major governmental social measure is to increase the lowest salaries, the cost of which will be borne by employers. The government has introduced a statutory increase for salaries below the average figure of €27,130.44 per year. The increase is 3.3%, which corresponds to the CPI for December 2021. It came into effect from 1 Labor Market June and is intended for employees who have not received this wage increase in the last 12 months.148 Wage increase The minimum wage has also been raised to €1,200 per month. This change represents an increase of 7% in 4 months, thanks to the annual increase in January, corresponding to the CPI in December (3.3%), and a second in April (+3.67%). It was implemented in May as an emergency measure. Indirectly, wage increases have an impact on other social security contributions and the recovery of taxes.149 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 76 On April 30, 2022, Andorra announced that General Indirect Tax (IGI; Indirect tax also known as VAT) on baby-related items such as nappies and feminine hygiene products is being reduced from 4.5% to 1%.150 77 Angola Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies In 2022, the government proposed an increase in the value of the cash transfer program "Kwenda" to account for inflation from 8,500 kz to Unconditional cash transfers 11,000 (US$18.2) per month per beneficiary household. The increase in the benefit value is still to be implemented.151 Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 78 Direct tax Tax Angola, on December 14, 2021, announced reduction of the Value Indirect tax Added Tax (VAT) rate, from 14% to 7% for consumer goods (certain food products).152, 153, 154 79 Anguilla (UK) Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 80 On April 28, 2020, the Ministry of Finance announced the removal of excise taxes on fuel imports for a duration of 6 months. The excise tax Indirect tax was EC$0.35 per liter.155 81 Antigua and Barbuda Fuel subsidies On March 18th, a new fuel subsidy went into effect that would reduce the cost of fuel for registered fisherman and those in the public transportation industry (primarily bus and taxi drivers). It is intended to reduce the cost of fuel for these individuals by up to 25% and therefore keep the costs of fish and public transportation low for the general consumer. This measure has a duration of 30 days with the Subsidies option to extend by the Cabinet. For bus drivers this is an adaptation from a similar subsidy implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.156, 157 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 82 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 83 Argentina Fuel subsidies Argentina's energy subsidies are expected to rise in 2022. These include subsidies for gas, along with electricity. Energy subsidies made up 2.3% of GDP in 2021 and are now expected to be 3% of GDP in 2022; or from USD $11 billion in 2021 to an estimated USD $20 billion in 2022.158 Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Argentina's energy subsidies are expected to rise in 2022. These include subsidies for electricity, along with gas. Energy subsidies made up 2.3% of GDP in 2021 and are now expected to be 3% of GDP in 2022; or from USD $11 billion in 2021 to an estimated USD $20 billion in 2022.159 On April 6, 2022, the government announced an increase of 50% to the existing cash transfer program aimed at low-income families to help buy food under the Alimentar program. Before the announced Unconditional cash transfers increase, the program made a monthly deposit to a special Alimentar card for each qualified family of between 9,000 and 18,000 pesos (roughly USD $76 and $153) depending on the number of children in the family. This amount will now increase by 50%.160 Social Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance Pensions 84 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) On August 22nd, the government announced a new timetable for increasing the monthly minimum wage. Starting on September 1st, the Labor market regulations new minimum wage will increase by 7% to $51,200 (Argentine peso). Labor Market In October it will increase again to $54,550 and in November to $57,900.161, 162 Wage subsidies Wage increase On January 3, 2022, Argentina has imposed a two-year restriction (in the form of quota) on beef exports. It announced a limitation on the export of seven cuts (body parts) of meat in fresh, chilled or frozen form until the end of December 2023.163 Export/import restriction On March 13, 2022, Argentina has banned exports of soybean meal Trade and soybean oil until further notice.164, 165 March 19, 2022, Argentina has raised the export tax rate on soy oil and meal by two percentage points, thereby making it 33% until the end of the year in measure to combat domestic inflation.166, 167 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 85 Aruba Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On April 14, the government announced an expansion of price controls on a variety of Subsidies products, primarily food products.168, 169 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 86 Indirect tax 87 Australia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Electric vehicle subsidies extended in Victoria. A further $7.2 million has been allocated to increase the uptake of electric cars in Victoria.170 Subsidies On July 1, 2022, Queensland has become the latest Australian state to announce a subsidy on electric vehicles, as the price of petrol hits new highs. The Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme will provide a rebate of $3,000 for eligible new Zero Emission Vehicles priced under $58,000 and purchased after 16 March 2022. The policy kicked off on July 1st. This will cost $45 million scheme.171 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 88 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 89 Austria Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On August 2, 2022, Austria’s federal government announced the first of many one-off payments to cushion the effects of rising inflation in the country. A €180 per child “special family payment” is ready to be sent out to families in Austria, according to ÖVP government members. As of August 3rd, the finance offices will transfer the amount per child “directly to the account” of families. The Familienbeihilfe is a social benefit paid monthly to every child resident in Austria until they turn 24 – with some exceptions. The amount depends on the child’s age but can reach €165.10 monthly for one child. Furthermore, since every child is registered for this benefit, the bonus payment can be made automatically.172 On July 14, 2022, the Austrian government presented a 6-billion-euro Unconditional cash transfers anti-inflation package. The package includes short-term measures that Social Assistance will provide immediate relief to the population and long-term structural changes. In September, 300 euros will be paid to low- income people, such as welfare recipients, the unemployed, and minimum pensioners.173 On July 14, 2022, As part of the 6 billion Euros package, in parallel with the introduction of the CO2 price, 250 euros in climate bonus plus another 250 euros in the cost-of-living compensation will flow in October. This means that all adults living in Austria will receive 500 euros. According to the latest source, all adults who have residence in Austria for 6 months and make less than 90,000 Euros a year, will receive 500 Euros.174 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions 90 On Feb 25, 2022, Austria announced it will issue one-off payments aimed at offsetting rising inflation costs in the country. Almost every Austrian who earns no more than €5,670 per month will receive a voucher for €150 euros to cushion the increased energy bill. Pensioners on minimum incomes, long-term recipients of sickness and Unconditional in-kind transfers rehabilitation benefits, the unemployed and unemployment assistance (food, vouchers, others) recipients will receive €150. Separately, households that receive minimum income or social assistance and students with study grants will receive €300. For retired people receiving supplementary allowances, there will be two payments of €150.175 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing On March 21, 2022, Austria has unveiled a €2 billion relief package to fight rising cost of living. The package includes a 50 percent increase in the commuter allowance and an increase in the “commuter euro,” Tax Direct tax which reduces income tax levies by €2 per kilometer distance between the place of residence and workplace. These should cost €400 million.176 91 On March 20, 2022, Austria increases energy subsidies to offset high gas prices. Austria announced energy subsidies worth 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion), including tax cuts and employee compensation, in an Indirect tax effort to ease the burden of rising costs on the economy. The latest measures include a 90% cut to natural gas and electricity tariffs through mid-2023, at a cost of 900 million euros.177 92 Azerbaijan Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On April 20, 2022, Agrarian Credit and Development Agency under the Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Agriculture paid subsidies in the amount of 21.6 million manat ($12.7 million) to 44,423 farmers for autumn crops on April 19, 2022.178 Subsidies On July 19, 2022, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Agriculture announced that it will provide additional subsidies to farmers. A meeting on the implementation of Azerbaijani President's decree "On number of measures to increase level of self-provision with food wheat" dated July 19, 2022, was held at the Baku Business Center, Trend reports via the Ministry of Agriculture. The exact amount on the subsidy is yet to be announced.179 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies 93 Wage increase On March 19, 2022, Azerbaijan has put in place a temporary regulation on the grain export through the customs territory of Azerbaijan until December 31, 2022. The restriction is imposed on the export of flour-grinding industry goods, starch, wheat Export/import restriction Trade gluten, oilseeds and other seeds, medicinal and industrial crops, feed. Customs officers will be permitted to release grain crops with an authorization letter from the Economy Ministry.180 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 94 Bahrain Subsidies Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On April 3, 2022, Bahrain announced that it would closely monitor the prices of all food products in the local markets to ensure there is no price rise during the Holy month of Ramadan. The prices of all basic food products including fruits and vegetables are being monitored.181 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Social Insurance Paid sick leave Health insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations Wage subsidies 95 Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 96 Bangladesh Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On March 20, 20222, Bangladesh launched a nationwide special food subsidy program to counter Ukraine-Russia war induced rise in prices of cooking oil, lentils and other staples. It would provide food at reduced prices to 10 million poor people and will run until the end of Ramadan. It is mostly targeted at rural areas.182 Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On June 9, 2022, the government decided to increase fertilizer subsidy to Tk16,000 crore in the budget for fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, aiming to boost domestic food production. The government wants to avoid price hikes as a stimulus to the farmer to ensure more crop production and control the price of food items in the local market. In FY 2021-22, Tk12,000 crore was spent on fertilizer subsidy.183 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Labor Training (vocational, life skills, others) Market Labor market regulations 97 Wage subsidies Wage increase On June 29, 2022, Bangladesh announced the export restriction on aromatic rice after it Export/import restriction failed to control the price in the local market. In this effort, the government has Trade cancelled the aromatic rice export permission of 41 companies.184 Export/import easing On March 16, 2022, Bangladesh reduced percent value added tax (VAT) on edible oil imports to 5 per cent from 15 per cent to give some relief to consumers. The expected to expire on 30 June 2022. On July 5, 2022, it is reported that the government has extended it until September 30, 2022.185, 186 Direct tax On June 23, 2022, Bangladesh has announced to cut customs tariffs and duty on rice Tax until October 31, 2022, in order to encourage imports to increase supply of the staple grain in the domestic market and cool its prices, according to a notification. Importers will be able to bring the grain by paying a total of 25 percent import duty, down from 62.5 percent.187 Indirect tax 98 Barbados Fuel subsidies On March 14, 2022, Barbados announced a cap on the Value-added tax payable for gasoline and diesel that went into effect on March 16, 2022 and is set to last for 6 months. The price of gasoline was set at $3.99 per liter and diesel at $3.32 per liter (Barbados dollar). This is expected to cost the government $25.2 million in lost revenue. [Extension] This measure was extended so that it would be in effect at least until January 31st, 2023. The extension was announced on August 15th and went into Subsidies effect on August 19th. The cap places the VAT for diesel at 26 cents less and 22 cents less for gasoline per liter. This is the amount that the VAT is reduced by as a result of the measure and which consumers are experiencing as a decrease in the overall price of gasoline and diesel.188, 189 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Social Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) On July 14th, Barbados announced a new package to ease the burden of rising costs. Conditional in-kind transfers (school One of the measures in this package was the school meals program that aims to provide feeding) lunch to school children during the summer months, starting July 25th and lasting until September 2nd.190, 191, 192 Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Labor Training (vocational, life skills, others) Market Labor market regulations 99 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On July 14, 2022 Barbados announced a new package to ease the burden of rising costs. One of the measures in this package was a reduction in the VAT for electricity bills from 17.5% to 7.5% for the electricity charged up to the first 250 kWh. This is expected to benefit 63% of all households in Barbados and is expected to cost the government Tax BDS$ 1.527 million a month or an expected BDS$ 10.5 million between August 1st and Indirect tax January 31st, 2023.193, 194 On July 14th, Barbados announced a new package to ease the burden of rising costs. One of the measures in this package was the addition of 44 food items to a list for which no VAT is charged. In addition to this, duties will be removed for all citrus products imported into Barbados. This measure went into effect on July 21st and is set to last until January 31st, 2023.195, 196 100 Belarus Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers [August 2022] A one-off grant is given out to more than 225,000 children from 111,500 families, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection informed, to pay for school materials. The first payments have already been made. Financial assistance is provided Conditional cash transfers once and is not dependent on the family income. The subsidy is part of the national Social program “Health of the people and demographic security.” More than 20 million Assistance Belarusian rubles have been set apart for this campaign.197 Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 101 On March 28, 2022, Belarus imposed a temporary export restriction on rice, whole meal flour, flour from rye, barley, pasta.198 The measure is being taken in order to prevent shortages and to ensure food security within the country. The measure is in force between 28 March 2022 and 16 June 2022. At the same time, prohibited goods may still be exported with a one-time license issued by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation Export/import easing and Trade (MART) with an approval of the regional executive committee and the Minsk City Executive Committee.199 Subsequently, on April 14, the government relaxed the restriction by imposing a quota of up to 1 kg on salt, sugar, flour (buckwheat flour, wheat flour), certain types of cereals (buckwheat, rice, semolina, oats, oat flakes, millet).200, 201 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 102 Belgium Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 2 October 2021, Belgium's Federal Energy Ministry proposed extending the social energy tariff introduced during the pandemic until the end of March 2022, costing €208 million and targeting nearly 500,000 households. On March 14, 2022, an extended social tariff benefiting one in five households was extended until 30 September, 2022. The extension of the social tariff for energy to 880 thousand families (or around 16% of all Belgian households) will cost for the State €600 million for Jan-Sep 2022 (almost double that of 2021). On June 18, the federal government decided to extend the social tariff until the end of 2022.202, 203 March 15, 2022, Belgium has also announced that households that Subsidies heat with fuel oil (propane or butane) will benefit from an automatic reduction of € 200 on their bill. A one-time refinancing of the social fuel oil fund (max. 17 million euros) is also planned.204, 205 February 1, 2022, Belgium provided every household with a €100 cheque (in the form of refund) and will roll-out further charge- reductions for low-income families.206 On 12 October, 2021, a €16 million Fund for Gas and Electricity was established to support households in need that are not eligible to receive the social tariff.207 From October 2021, Belgium announced that the most vulnerable citizens are benefitting from an €80 energy check to be deduced from their bill. The budget for this energy check will amount to €72 million.208 Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers 103 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Pensions [March 2022] The federal government confirms the extension of temporary unemployment, now called "force majeure" unemployment. This measure has been decided to allow SMEs to cope with rising prices. The temporary unemployment will be active until June 30, 2022. From 01.02.2020 to 30.06.2022 inclusive, the worker receives an allowance corresponding to 70% of his or her average salary with a Social Insurance ceiling (from 01.03.2022, the ceiling is set at €2,955.69 per month), Unemployment benefits regardless of the reason for the temporary unemployment. From 01.03.2020 to 30.06.2022 inclusive, all workers temporarily unemployed for reasons of force majeure (except for medical force majeure) will receive, in addition to the unemployment benefit, a supplement of €5.98 per day (amount applicable from 01.03.2022) at the expense of the NEO. Until the end of June 2022, a reduced withholding tax of 15% will be deducted from the benefits.209 Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 104 Export/import easing Direct tax On March 15, 2022, Belgium reduced excise duties on diesel and gasoline to €0.175 per liter, which means a saving of almost €10 for the consumer who is filling up with 60 liters. The reverse ratchet system will also be used from €1.7/liter. An evaluation is planned for mid-June 2022, followed by monthly monitoring. On June 18, the federal government decided to extend the reduction in excise duties on Tax fuels until the end of 2022.210, 211 Indirect tax On March 15, 2022, concerning gas, electricity and fuel oil, Belgium also announced VAT reductions and direct reductions on bills. The VAT on gas will be reduced to 6% from April 1 until September 30, 2022. VAT on electricity had already been reduced to 6%, a measure that will be extended until September 30, 2022. On June 18, the federal government decided to extend the 6% VAT on gas and electricity.212 105 Belize Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 106 On March 24th, the price of regular gasoline was at $13.50 (Belize dollar). It was kept at this level through the decrease of levies of 29 Indirect tax cents. For diesel, the government reduced the tax by $1.71, this accounts for an anticipated annual budget revenue loss of $17 million.213 107 Benin Fuel subsidies Benin, on 23 March, 2022, announced to constitute a stock of diesel and maintain its sale price at the pump at 600 FCFA until June 30, 2022. However, less than a month later, a readjusted was made to the price and was revised upwards for diesel, oil and domestic gas. Only the price of gasoline remained unchanged following the readjustment of hydrocarbon prices. Diesel, oil and gas prices increased by 68 Subsidies francs, 186 francs and 65 francs respectively. They were sold at the following price from April 21, 2022: 668 francs /L for diesel; 795 francs/kg for domestic gas; 851 francs/L for oil.214 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 108 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Benin, on 23 March, 2022, announced the exemption of VAT on (1) Vegetable oils imported or produced locally, (2) Wheat flour imported or produced locally.215, 216 In January 2022, the Benin government decided to exempt VAT on imported rice. On 23 March 2022, Benin extended the duration of free flat rate of VAT on imported rice for another 3 months. This exemption helps reduce the retail price of imported rice from Tax XOF20,500 to XOF18,450 per 50-kg bag.217 Indirect tax On March 23, 2022, Benin Implemented a 50% discount on the shipping costs to be used for the calculation of the customs value of goods imported by sea. Similarly, customs value of goods imported by air, air freight costs will be reduced by two-thirds.218 Benin decided on 23 March 2022 to suspend the implementation of the readjustment of electricity tariffs until the end of 2022.219 109 Bosnia and Herzegovina Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies May 19, 2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Federation approved a program to subsidies citizens for the purchase of new electric and Subsidies hybrid vehicles. The subsidy for the acquisition of electric vehicles will stand at 10,000 marka. A subsidy of 5,000 marka will be provided for the acquisition of plug-in hybrid vehicles with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of up to 50 grammes per kilometer or full hybrid vehicles with CO2 emissions of up to 130 grammes per kilometer. Citizens can apply for the subsidies by December 12 or until the amount budgeted is spent.220 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 110 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 111 Botswana Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 112 On 27 July 2022, Botswana announced a temporary reduction in the standard VAT rate and other economic measures to address the impact of rising inflation and economic stress in Botswana. The new measures were published in the official gazette on 1 August 2022 and generally are effective as of 3 August 2022. In which cooking oil and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) are reduced to 0% (from 14%).221, 222 Indirect tax On 27 July 2022, Botswana announced a temporary reduction in the standard VAT rate and other economic measures to address the impact of rising inflation and economic stress in Botswana. The new measures were published in the official gazette on 1 August 2022 and generally are effective as of 3 August 2022. In which cooking oil and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) are reduced to 0% (from 14%).223, 224 113 Brazil Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On May 19th, Brazil announced an extension to the Auxílio Brasil social program that provides cash transfers to low-income families replacing the Bolsa Familia program in 2021. The extension makes this a permanent program (originally made to assist with the adverse economic effects of COVID-19) and raises the minimum transfer to R$400 a month. The exact number depends on the incomes of the families. The initial investment into this program by the Ministry of Citizenship is R$7.3 billion. The government was paying about R$47.5 billion a year, with the new increase this will add an additional R$41 billion a year. [Update] The Auxílio Brazil program was updated in August to include an additional 2.2 million families to bring the total coverage to just over 20 million. It also increased the monthly minimum cash transfer to R$ 600.225, 226, 227, 228 On March 11, 2022, Brazil has announced that under the same bill, a Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers USD$60 a month cash transfer subsidy will be distributed to low- income homes out of a USD$600 million fund. This brings the total estimated cost of the bill to USD$3.8 billion.229 On March 10th, the government announced the Auxílio Gasolina program which grants an additional R$100 to those under the Auxílio Brasil program. This new cash transfer is aimed at mitigating the costs of purchasing fuel for transport. In addition to those under Auxílio Brasil, beneficiaries of this program will include self-employed drivers and app-based drivers and riders (for example Uber). An estimated R$3 billion is expected for this program.230, 231 [August 2022] The government announced a vertical expansion to the existing Auxílio Gás dos Brasileiros cash transfer program. This program was initially announced in November 2021, to help families pay for the rising cost of liquified petroleum gas (cooking gas). The 114 initial transfer amount was set to be varied depending on half of the national average cost of a 13kg cylinder can. This amount was set to be decided every 6 months as the price changed. However, starting in August 2022, the amount was increased to the cost of a full can. Currently a full can is listed at R$110.49. Every two months, eligible families will receive a transfer amount equal to the cost of a full can of cooking gas. Currently, 5.6 million families are being covered by this program. The government plans to add all members of the existing Auxílio Brasil program by September 2023, roughly over 20 million families.232, 233, 234 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 115 March 11, 2022, Brazil announced a change to the tax on fuel calculation from a percentage to a fixed value so as to try and reduce fuel prices for consumers. It also will freeze the ICMS state goods and services tax on refined products. The tax policy change is estimated to cost states USD $3.2 billion in potential revenue. On June 15, 2022, Indirect tax this bill was passed in the lower House of Congress.235, 236 On March 22, 2022, Brazil announced the suspension of its 18% import tax on ethanol imports for the rest of 2022 in an inflation- cutting efforts to reduce fuel prices domestically.237, 238 116 British Virgin Islands Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 117 On April 14, 2022, the government announced that all customs duties on imports that are above 5% will be reduced to 5% starting on April 15, 2022, and is set to last for three months. As part of this measure, Indirect tax import duties on propane, fossil fuels, and cement are reduced by 50%. [Extension] On July 22, 2022, it was announced that this measure was extended for another three months as of July 15, 2022.239, 240 118 Bulgaria Fuel subsidies Bulgaria earlier in May approved a 2 billion levs ($1.1 billion) package aimed at shielding companies and low-income consumers from the surge in energy and food prices caused by the Ukraine conflict. The government will also offer a discount of 0.25 levs per liter of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas and methane from July until the end of the year.241 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On December 16, 2022, Bulgaria lawmakers voted to freeze power Subsidies regulated electricity and heating prices until the end of March for households. The moratorium prevented the independent energy regulator from increasing power prices by an average 11.5% and heating prices by about 30%, bringing them more in line with the market prices power companies pay for electricity and natural gas.242, 243 On May 18, 2022, Bulgaria intends to reduce the interest rate for overdue payments to the state, municipalities, utilities and others by up to eight per cent.244 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers [May 2022] The government will increase the annual quota for food (food, vouchers, others) vouchers for employees from one billion to 1.2 billion leva.245 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance [May 2022] The government decided to increase pensions by 20%, Pensions which includes increasing all pensions by €31 and an additional 119 recalculation of the pensions of 770,000 pensioners from 1 October. Each pension will be recalculated compared to 2008 with 100% of the growth of the average insurance income or 100% of inflation, depending on which is more favorable. The minimum pension in Bulgaria is equal to the poverty line in the country – about €210 but will now be increased to €240. The ceiling for pensions will become 3400 leva, the same as the maximum income insurance.246 [May 2022] The 60 leva a month “Covid supplement” for pensioners will be incorporated into pensions on a permanent basis, while there will be individual adjustments for categories of pensioners.247 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 28 July, 2022, Bulgaria set up a working group between the Customs Export/import restriction Agency and the National Revenue Agency to limit the export of Trade Russian oil products starting from December 5, 2022.248 Export/import easing Bulgaria, on May 1, 2022, announced an increase in the amount of personal income tax relief for children with retroactive effect from 1 January 2022 as follows: - one child - increased from BGN 4,500 to BGN 6,000 per year Tax Direct tax - two children - increased from BGN 9,000 to BGN 12,000 per year - three or more children - increased from BGN 13,500 to BGN 18,000 per year - children with disabilities - increased from BGN 9,000 to BGN 12,000 per year.249 120 Bulgaria, on May 18, 2022, announced that families will receive a €300 tax rebate for each child.250 Bulgaria, on May 18, 2022, introduced a zero VAT rate on the supply of bread and flour for one year.251 Bulgaria, on May 18, 2022, as part of the anti-crisis measures included raising the bar for mandatory VAT registration from 50,000 to 100,000 leva.252, 253 Indirect tax Bulgaria, on May 18, 2022, reduced VAT rate of 9% on central heating and natural gas supplies for one year.254 On December 16, 2021, Bulgaria scraps excise duties on natural gas, electricity and methane. The cabinet is allocating 77 million for reducing fuel excises. [July 5, 2022] An exemption from excise duty (0% rate) on qualifying electricity (generally from renewable sources), liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas until 30 June 2025.255 121 Burkina Faso Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Burkina Faso, on 4 April 2022, announced that it will open show shops to offer cereals at subsidized prices, up to 6,000 FCFA per 50 kg Subsidies bag, for the benefit of disadvantaged people.256 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Burkina Faso announced on April 4,2022, the opening of show shops and the subsidy of more than 50 thousand tons of fertilizer.257 Fees subsidies In 2022, the World Bank approved restructuring of social safety net project in Burkina Faso which includes horizontal expansion of the regular CT and shockresponsive CT beneficiaries by roughly 14,000 households. Regular cash transfers are provided quarterly basis with CFA Francs 35,000 (~ US$65) each in March, June, September, and December over a three-year cycle. In addition, the component provides shockresponsive transfers responding to food insecurity during the yearly lean seasons. These are being provided to existing beneficiaries Unconditional cash transfers of the regular transfers through a vertical expansion. The vertical expansion plans to provide two additional cash transfers in the same amount each in July and August to complement the tackling of chronic poverty with a response to short-term food security needs. So far the Social Assistance project has reached 997,998 individuals with cash transfers exceeding its target of 880,000. Based on the restructing the planned coverage has been increased from 880,000 to 971,000 individuals. The horizontal expansion costs: USD7.5 million, which has been moved from LIPW to CT. 258 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance 122 Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase To safeguard domestic food supplies and contain upward pressure on cereal prices, the Government of Burkina Faso announced a ban on Export/import restriction Trade exports of millet, maize and sorghum flours on 23 February 2022.259, 260 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 123 Cameroon Fuel subsidies On March 30, 2022, the government announced to support CFA 672 billion in terms of annual subsidies for super, diesel and kerosene, 70 billion for domestic gas. Subsequently on 29 July, 2022, the Cameroonian government announced it will approve CFA780 billion in fuel subsidy to keep pump prices unchanged. This new figure way higher than the CFA480 billion initially approved in the collective budget, and the CFA672 billion projected by the Minister of Commerce during a press conference held on March 30, 2022.261, 262 Food subsidies Cameroon's Minister of Commerce signed two decrees on April 14, 2022. First one makes compulsory the prior filing of price lists for certain consumer products and agree on price scale to be set for the Subsidies final consumer. These goods include pasta, sardines, margarine, alcohol and spirits, detergents and household soaps, packaging, electrical cables and wires, paints, and tiles. Next, the second decrees sets the list of prices for products and services whose prices and tariffs are subject to the prior approval procedure, before any sale on the national market. These are milk, rice, fish, crude palm oil, refined vegetable oils, cooking salt, sugar, bread and pastries, flours, mineral water, beer and drinks, domestic gas, cement, concrete iron, roofing sheets, services of the auxiliaries of the maritime transport, port services, and public transport.263 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works 124 Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase To curb price increases and ensure adequate supplies of these staple commodities in the domestic market, Cameroon’s Customs Department issued a memorandum announcing the immediate temporary suspension of exports of locally produced cereals and vegetable oils from far North Region on 27 December 2021. Export/import restriction Companies exporting cereals and vegetable oils produced locally in Trade Cameroon will no longer be able to supply abroad until further notice. Subsequently, on 22 April 2022, the Ministry of Commerce of Cameroon suspended exports of wheat flour, rice, vegetable oil and other locally produced cereals from the East Region, in order to ensure adequate availabilities in the domestic market.264, 265, 266 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 125 Canada Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies April 6, the Government of Canada announces changes to the Advance Payments Program to support farmers ahead of planting season to allow farmers to access 100% of their 2022 cash advance through the waiving of timed installments. This will improve cash flow and allow farmers to purchase fuel, fertilizer, and seeds. [Update] On June 23rd, Subsidies the government announced a temporary increase to the interest free limit for advances under the Advance Payments Program. The limit will be increased from CAD$ 100,000 to CAD$250,000 for 2022 and 2023.267, 268 On June 16, 2022, Canada announced a new package called the Affordability Plan which is estimated to cost a total CAD$8.9 billion. Within this package, is included the measure Affordable Early Learning and Childcare which will cut childcare fees in all 13 provinces for an average of 50%.269 On March 8, Prince Edward Island announced CAD $20 million package to address the rise in cost of living for the low income population. This package includes a one-time cash transfer payment of CAD $150, worth a total of CAD $1 million.270 On March 22nd, Quebec announced a one-off cash transfer of CA$500 to every resident making less than CA$100,000. For those making more, they will still receive a transfer but it will be a smaller amount. Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers This will be a direct transfer to a banking account after the residents submit their 2021 taxes. The CA$500 cash transfer is expected to cover 6.4 million Quebec residents. Therefore, the total cost will be CA$3.2 billion.271 On March 24th, Nova Scotia provincial government says it is providing $13.2 million to help vulnerable Nova Scotians address the impact of rising fuel prices. As part of it, a one-time payment of $150 126 to all currently eligible recipients of the heating assistance rebate program will be made.272 On March 24th, Nova Scotia provincial government says it is providing $13.2 million to help vulnerable Nova Scotians address the impact of rising fuel prices. As part of it, a one-time payment of $150 is planned to be paid to all current income assistance recipients, including disability support program participants receiving income support.273 On June 16th, the Canadian government announced a new package called the Affordability Plan which is estimated to cost a total CAD$8.9 billion. Within this package, there is a measure which enhances the existing Canada Workers Benefit to provide support to an estimated 3 million workers. The total cost of this added benefit is expected to be CAD$1.7 billion. Single workers are set to receive up to an additional CAD$ 1200 and for couples up to CAD$ 2400. This will be received through the 2021 tax return.274 On July 28th, Nova Scotia announced an additional CAD$250 in aid as a one-off transfer for eligible seniors who make under CAD$37,500 a year. This would be on top of the one-off cash transfer of CAD$500 previously approved in March.275 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions On March 24th, Nova Scotia provincial government says it is providing $13.2 million to help vulnerable Nova Scotians address the impact of rising fuel prices. As part of it, $1 million is planned to be provided to Feed Nova Scotia to distribute among its 140 food banks provincewide.276 Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) On March 24th, Nova Scotia provincial government says it is providing $13.2 million to help vulnerable Nova Scotians address the impact of rising fuel prices. As part of it, $200,000 is being planned to be distributed to local food banks across the province that are not part of the Feed Nova Scotia network.277 127 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Wage subsidies Labor Market Starting on June 1, British Columbia is increasing the minimum wage by 45 cents to CAD$15.65 an hour in order to support workers. The Wage increase increase is tied to the rate of inflation for B.C., which was 2.8 per cent last year.278 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 128 Cape Verde Fuel subsidies On March 31, 2022, Cape Verde announced the stabilization of the prices of fuel.279 On April 1, 2022. Cape Verde's Multisectoral Economics Regulatory Agency updated the fuel prices that came into force in the country as of April 1st: Butane Gas, Diesel for Electricity, Fuel oil 180 and 380. Cape Verde declares the temporary suspension, for three months, from April to June, of the application of mechanisms for fixing fuel prices. The update on the maximum selling prices to the public referring to Subsidies the month of April, remain fixed, at the current levels, in force starting March, for some products, such as butane and fuels for electricity production. Maintaining fuel prices through state intervention is estimated at 400 million escudos (3.6 million euros).280, 281, 282 Food subsidies On March 31, 2022, Cape Verde announced the stabilization of the prices of wheat, corn, rice, cooking oil and powdered milk.283 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 31 March 2022, Cape Verde increased the discount on the social tariff for water and electricity from 30 to 50% for the poorest families.284 On 31 March, 2022, Cape Verde announced the increase in the number Unconditional cash transfers of beneficiaries of the Social Inclusion Income for families in extreme poverty and absolute poverty.285 Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers On March 31, 2022, Cape Verde announced the extension of the (school feeding) period of offering meals in school canteens.286 Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits 129 Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On March 31, 2022, Cape Verde reduced VAT on electricity from 15 to 8%.287 Tax On July 6, 2022, Cape verde reduced rates for the special consumption Indirect tax tax (ICE) of gasoline and diesel due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. It includes the following: (i) Lowering ICE to CVE 6 per liter of gasoline from 10% ; (ii) Lowering the direct tax rate of gasoline from 20% to 10%; (iii) Lowering the direct tax rate of fuel 180 and 380 from 5% to 0%. The reduced ICE rates are valid till December 31, 2022.288, 289 130 Chad Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On January 8, 2022, Chad announced ban on the export of cereals and Trade Export/import restriction groundnuts, except for sesame to address food insecurity.290 131 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 132 Chile Fuel subsidies On May 3rd, Chile announced an increase of US$40 million to the fuel stabilization fund in order to maintain lower prices on fuel.291 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On April 12, 2022, Chile announced a new package, “Chile Apoya, Plan de Recuperación,” as a new set of measures expanding upon the Subsidies existing “Chile Apoya” social programs. This package is set to cost a total of US$ 3.726 million. Within this package, there is a price control for electricity (utility) that went into effect on May 16, 2022. This measure will cap the price of electricity for consumption up to 350 kWh of usage. Consumption between 350 and 500 kWh will see a maximum 5% increase in the cost and for above 500 kWH, a maximum of 15% increase in the total cost.292, 293 On April 25th, the government announced an expansion of cash transfers to eligible beneficiaries with the social programs: Subsidio Único Familiar (SUF) and Asignación Familiar (AF). The new program is called Canasta Básica Protegida and will be a monthly transfer between May and December of 2022. This program is set to add an additional CLP $6,410 to each beneficiary within a household on top of what they already received under either of the two existing Unconditional cash transfers programs (SUF or AF). However, this number is set to change based on a calculation of the rising prices of a basket of goods that changes monthly. This program is expected to reach 3.1 million beneficiaries.294, 295 Social Assistance On July 12th, the government announced a one-off cash transfer under the name “Bono Chile Apoya de Invierno”. This transfer will be CLP120,000 and is expected to cover 7.5 million people.296, 297 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) 133 Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Wage subsidies Labor Market On April 25th, the government announced an increase in the minimum wage by 14.3% to try and keep up with rising inflation. Starting May 1st, the monthly minimum wage will be $380,000 (Chilean peso) and Wage increase will rise to $400,000 on August 1st. Additionally, if inflation rises by more than 7% by December of 2022, then the monthly minimum wage will increase to $410,000 starting January of 2023.298 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 134 China Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On March 6, 2022, China’s Finance Ministry has allocated an additional $6.59 billion in agricultural subsidies. China will allocate 41.639 billion yuan ($6.59 billion) in subsidies in 2022 for agricultural insurance premiums, up 30.8% from a year earlier, the finance ministry said in another report.299, 300 Subsidies On May 5, 2022, China pledged US$1.5b in grain farmer subsidies to offset soaring production costs. The one-off subsidy aims to support summer harvest and autumn sowing. Spring planting disruptions caused by Covid-19 curbs and war in Ukraine weigh on Chinese wheat output forecasts.301 Fees subsidies On May 2, 2022, China announced that EV buyers will receive subsidies from local governments aiming to bolster the industry. People who retire a car registered in the city more than 1 year ago and purchase a new energy vehicle by the end of 2022 will receive a subsidy of as much as 10,000 yuan ($1,499).302, 303 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits 135 Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On October 11, 2021, China has tightened regulations on fertilizer Export/import restriction exports. There is a new requirement of inspection before exporting the Trade fertilizers.304, 305 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 136 Colombia Fuel subsidies Colombia already has energy subsidy measures in place for the more vulnerable populations dating back several years. The Ministry of Energy and Mining announced on March 4, that it had already given 600 million Colombian Pesos in subsidies for energy. This shows a significant increase in the amount of subsidies so far this year. In 2021, 1.4 billion was administered as subsidies. [Update] In June, the government announced the new budget and indicated that it would gradually raise prices for gasoline by removing subsidies in order to minimize the fiscal deficit. This indicates a reduction in government spending on fuel subsidies. The dismantling of fuel price subsidies is the result of the fiscal pressure that this mechanism is generating in the Subsidies government's finances.306, 307, 308, 309 Food subsidies [August 11] The "Law against Hunger" seeks to make food available to the vulnerable population at 50% of its commercial price through a subsidy (monetary transfer) for the purchase of a series of selected foods. "The initial basket of products is proposed: rice, precooked flours, eggs, vegetable oil, pasta, and panela. Later: powdered milk, sliced bread, and potato, short-circuit products such as bananas, fresh vegetables, fresh milk and fruits" (it occurred in the inflationary context, but its purpose is not that).310 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Social Assistance [August 29] The "Eat is first" program of the Antioquia compensation fund consisted of the delivery of a bonus of about 43,000 COP to Unconditional in-kind transfers about 17,000 families in the same region. The last transfer is set to be (food, vouchers, others) distributed January 27th, 2023. This money can only be used for the purchase of certain food products at participating grocery stores. This is a Comfama private initiative.311 137 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On June 4, 2022, Colombia announced the reduction of customs duties Tax on some 200 products to try and reduce the cost of necessary imported Indirect tax goods. This is done by removing the value of the ships and cargo from the calculation of the customs duty. This reduction of the import tax is set to last for six months.312 138 Comoros Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On 5 April, 2022, Comoros issued an order to limit the prices of certain food item, such as sugar, flour, condensed milk, oil, sardines, concentrated tomato, mineral water, beef, and chicken, are subject to a Subsidies floor price and a ceiling price.313 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 5 April, 2022, Comoros announced that free transportation will be available for farmers to transport local agricultural products to Moroni, Mutsamudu and Fomboni.314 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 139 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 140 Congo, Dem. Rep. Fuel subsidies An audit of the price structure is planned, along with gradual adjustments to fuel price and targeted social transfers. Raising fuel prices and eliminating the subsidy to foreign airline companies will reduce arrears build up in 2022, at set the subsidy at 0.5 percent of Subsidies GDP in 2022. The 2022 subsidies projections are estimated to be contained at about US$300 million (0.5 percent of GDP).315 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 141 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 142 Congo, Rep. Fuel subsidies Food subsidies March 30, 2022, Congo, Rep. announced the establishment of a resilience fund to subsidize the import of certain basic products not manufactured in the country.316 Subsidies The government announced control of the prices of necessities.317 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 143 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 144 Costa Rica Fuel subsidies On May 22nd, the government announced new measures to try and reduce the price of gasoline and diesel in Costa Rica. One of these measures is to change the calculation of the price for diesel. This will Subsidies result in a decrease of 5.5 per cent for the price of diesel per liter.318 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 145 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 146 147 Côte d'Ivoire Fuel subsidies Since early 2022, Côte d'Ivoire has been subsidizing prices at the pump. In Cote d’Ivoire, for each liter of diesel purchased at 615 CFA francs, the state contributes 469 CFA francs. The subsidy is 285 CFA francs for each liter of premium gasoline sold at 735 CFA francs. Until now, the government fuel subsidy costed 500 billion CFA francs during the current year.319 Food subsidies March 9, 2022, In order to contain the rise in certain consumer products and preserve consumer purchasing power, Côte d'Ivoire has increased the number of products and services whose prices are Subsidies regulated from 4 to 21. The government capped the prices of 21 products, including consumer products, for a period of three months both at production and at distribution. These products concerned are bread flour, baguette, beef, pork and mutton, refined table oil, local rice.320 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies March 9, 2022, Côte d'Ivoire capped the prices of building materials, transport rates, house rents in social housing, public water and electricity tariffs and internet service access tariffs. The program is valid for 3 months.321 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions On April 7, 2022, as part of the strengthening of the fight against the Social Assistance high cost of living, Côte d'Ivoire provided agricultural inputs to Unconditional in-kind transfers women in the agricultural sector from the Marahoué region. It (food, vouchers, others) included seeds from market gardeners and rice, fertilizer, ricycles, trucks, tractors, mini-harvesters, and thresher-winnowers. The expenditure on the measure is over 2 billion CFA francs.322 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Social Insurance Paid sick leave 148 Health insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase March 9, 2022, Côte d'Ivoire imposed the requirement of prior authorization for the export of any food product to foreign countries. Export/import restriction Trade In particular the plantain banana, yams, local rice, cassava and its derivatives, in particular attiéké, and maize and its derivatives.323 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 149 Croatia Fuel subsidies The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development announced that the government would adopt a directive on April 17 to buffer the fuel price hike by doing away with the obligation for distributors to mix biofuel with diesel and petrol until the end of the year. The government assessment was that it would enable distributors to reduce prices by about HRK 0.50.324 Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies In late February, Croatia government presented a €636 million package to mitigate the growth of energy prices. The package aims to contain energy price increases to 9.6 percent for electricity and 20 percent for gas.325 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions [March 2022] Transfers to vulnerable groups: coupons for energy to Social Assistance elderly poor, pensioners. The package from Croatia government aims Unconditional in-kind transfers to address the most vulnerable energy customers, estimated to be over (food, vouchers, others) 90,000. This extends the number of eligible people who receive vouchers for both electricity and gas bills. For them social transfers were increased from HRK 200 to 400.326, 327 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver 150 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax March 7, 2022, Croatia decided to lock margins on petroleum product transactions and to temporarily reduce excise duties on diesel and gasoline in order to lower fuel prices. As a result, the total margin on diesel and petrol was locked at HRK 0.75 per liter, and at HRK 0.50 per liter for blue-dyed diesel. Amendments to legislation on excise duties have reduced excise duties by HRK 0.20 per liter of unleaded gasoline for 90 days, and the reduction for diesel is HRK 0.40 per liter.328, 329 Tax Indirect tax March 20, 2022, Croatia has permanently reduced VAT on gas from 25 to 13 percent. In addition, the rate for gas will temporarily fall to 5 percent, in the period from the beginning of April this year to the end of March 2023.330, 331, 332 On July 28, 2022, Croatia adopted guidelines for saving energy in the Republic of Croatia for the period from August 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023, which, among other things, propose cheaper electricity tariffs (i.e., VAT).333 151 Curaçao Fuel subsidies In May 2022, the government announced the introduction of a fuel subsidy of 24 cents per liter. On August 15th it was extended and set to last for 3 months. On November 13, 2022 a decision will be made Subsidies on whether to extend it further or make any changes.334 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 152 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 153 Cyprus Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On May 26, 2022, Cyprus is increasing grants up to 50 percent for households that put thermal insulation and solar panels on their roofs in a 20-million euro ($21.39 million) scheme to push energy efficiency. This measure pertains to helping homeowners reduce electricity costs that have soared in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.335 Subsidies On July 28, 2022, Cyprus said that the state would absorb a sizeable chunk of cost increases in energy to buffer anticipated rises of up to 25 per cent in bills for households and businesses to the tune of €50 million in the autumn. The scheme will cover the period September- December, applying to electricity consumption on EAC bills from July through to October. The new package comes in addition to the packages already implemented, the cost of which exceeded €300 million. Petrides said the subsidy would cover both residential, commercial and industrial users of bi-monthly tariffs, thus supporting 449,000 households and 111,500 businesses.336 Unconditional cash transfers On April 2022, The Cyprus Council of Ministers approved a 1.5- million-euro subsidy scheme this week for purchases of solar power batteries, charging stations electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid cars and the installation of photovoltaic systems at homes. Apart from Social Assistance purchase of photovoltaic systems and EV charging stations, the Conditional cash transfers scheme also covers the purchase of batteries to store energy generated by solar panels. Individuals who own EVs or plug-in hybrid cars are eligible. The subsidy is €750 per kilowatt covering the installation or the extension of an existing photovoltaic system, with a maximum amount of €1,500 per vehicle. The grants amount to €600 for the purchase of an EV or plug-in hybrid charging station, €450 for the 154 upgrade of a home’s electric installation, and €750/KW for the purchase or installation of a battery with a maximum amount of €2,000.337 Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 155 Czech Republic Fuel subsidies On March 6, 2022, Czech Republic planned to cap prices for petrol, diesel and other energy.338 In June 2022, the government announced to be setting aside €1.1 bln to assist households with the energy bills during the heating season. The mechanism to pass these fundings to consumers will be for the State to pay in full the renewables surcharge from October.339 Food subsidies On March 6, 2022, Czech Republic planned to cap prices for food and Subsidies other raw materials.340 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies June 1, 2022, Czech Republic has decided to introduce a so-called energy-saving tariff starting 1 October. This is intended to provide households with a fixed amount of support in order to enable them to pay their energy costs. A total of 30.5 bn crowns (approx. €1.3 bn) has been earmarked for this in the budget. However, it is not yet clear how high the subsidies will be per household and who will actually be eligible for them.341 [June 2022] A one-time payment for children of 5,000 crowns (approx. €200) was approved in June. This regulation applies only to families whose annual gross income is less than 40,000 crowns Unconditional cash transfers (approx. €1,600). According to the ministry, 1.1 million households are entitled to the benefit. About 1.6 million children could receive it. Starting on 14 August 2022, families can apply online or at Czech Points. Expenditures should amount to about 7.8 billion crowns.342,343 Social Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance 156 Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing On March 6, 2022, Czech Republic planned to provide discount for the taxpayer.344 Direct tax On April 25, 2022, it is reported that Czech Republic cancelled road taxes for cars, buses and trucks up to twelve tons.345 Tax On March 6, 2022, Czech Republic planned to reduce excise duty or VAT on the prices of petrol, diesel and other energy, food and other raw materials. [July 2022] The Czech government has approved the Indirect tax lowering of excise duties on petrol and diesel by 1.50 CZK a liter. At present the tax on petrol is CZK 12.84 a liter and the tax on diesel is CZK 9.95 a liter. The new measure will be in place from the start of June to the end of September.346, 347 157 Denmark Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On March 30, Denmark approved one-off cash payout to families hard hit by high heating bills as a result of the energy crisis. The amount was increased from 3,750 to 6,000 DKK, and the amount of households to receive it increased from 300,000 to 419,000. The ‘heating cheques’ are set to arrive in August or September. This is an increase from a previous similar program from February. On the 10th of August, the heating check agreed in February was paid out to Unconditional cash transfers 400,000 households. This increased the cost of the measure by €190 million, to €320 mm.348, 349 On June 24, 2022, Danish lawmakers have agreed a cash handout to Social Assistance the elderly and other measures totaling 3.1 billion Danish crowns ($439 million) to cushion the impact of soaring inflation and high energy prices, the finance ministry said on Friday. Elderly people on low incomes will each receive a tax-free handout of 5,000 crowns.350 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver 158 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On 24 June 2022, Denmark will temporarily reduce tax on electricity starting from the fourth quarter of this year as a means of "compensation to citizens for its rising energy prices". The tax cut will reduce the electricity tax by 4 ore (0.57 U.S. cents) per kilowatt hour Tax (kwh) in the October-December period to 72.3 ore (10 U.S. cents), Indirect tax according to a cross-party agreement released Friday on the website of the Danish Ministry of Finance. The new policy will remain valid next year, slashing the electricity tax by 4.3 ore (0.61 U.S. cents) per kwh to 68.8 ore (9.8 U.S. cents). The agreement acknowledges that lower electricity tax will cost the state 475 million Danish kroner (67.4 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.351 159 Djibouti Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On March 10, 2022, Djibouti implemented a subsidy on necessities Subsidies and, control of the prices at which they are sold on the market.352, 353 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Social Assistance On March 10, 2022, it was reported that Dijbouti provided food Unconditional in-kind transfers support for the benefit of 10,000 families from the most modest (food, vouchers, others) community fringe of the society.354, 355 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 160 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 161 Dominica Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 162 On July 27, 2022, Dominica announced a new budget which includes the elimination of VAT for electricity starting on August 1. This new measure sees an increase in the energy usage that will be considered Indirect tax free from VAT from an existing 100 kWh to 150 kWh. Usage above 150 kWh will still be charged a VAT. This applies to all users who get their electricity from Dominica Electricity Services (DOMLEC).356, 357 163 Dominican Republic Fuel subsidies On March 7th, the President announced various measures to stabilize prices. One of these is a price freeze on all gasoline products to March 4th prices through the use of a subsidy. This will apply for as long as the price of a barrel of oil is between US$85 and US$115 according to the West Texas Index (WTI). This measure will last for a duration of 4 months and is expected to cost the government between 9.6 billion and 16 billion pesos for the 4 months.358 Food subsidies On March 7th, the President announced various measures to stabilize Subsidies prices. One of these measures is a subsidy on certain imported food items of up to 10%. These include: corn, wheat, soy, flour, and vegetable oil. This is set to last for 6 months. This is expected to cost the government 3 billion pesos.359 On April 9th, the government announced that there will be a price freeze on most food products so as to ensure everyone can afford it.360 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies [27 February 2022] The government plans to incorporate 400,000 new households to the gas (LPG) cash transfer component (Bono Gas), reaching around 1.4 million households in 2022 and to top up the size Unconditional cash transfers of this benefit to RD$470 per month per household (from RD$228). This measure is estimated to cost RD$ 4,382.14 million (US$ 79.5 Million).361, 362 [27 February 2022] Under the umbrella of the social assistance strategy and program (SUPERATE), the government plans to Social Assistance incorporate 300,000 new households to the conditional cash transfer nutrition and food component (Alimentate) due to higher food prices. Conditional cash transfers The size of the transfer is RD$1650 per month per household, up from RD$825, according to SUPERATE administrative resolution 0023- 2022 reaching around 1.65 million households by the end of 2022 with this cash transfer. This measure is estimated to cost RD$ 4,950 million (US$ 89.76 Million).363, 364 Social pensions 164 Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 165 Ecuador Fuel subsidies On May 19th, Ecuador’s president announced a new price freezing mechanism for fuel which will keep the price of gasoline at US$1.75 per liter and diesel at US$1 per liter.365 Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 166 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 167 Egypt Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Egypt’s Armed Forces, under the directives of the President, has launched a nationwide campaign to provide low-cost food commodities to help reduce the burden of hiking prices on Egyptians ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The food commodities are available for purchase at 1,200 mobile outlets, 212 fixed outlets and 62 major outlets across the country. The Armed Forces distributed 1.5 million food ration boxes in the market with a discount reaching up to 60 percent as part of their continued efforts to supply basic food commodities at reasonable prices to meet the demands of the Egyptian people. (Update, July 2022), The President announced enhancing food security for poor families, mothers and children, by expanding the delivery of subsidized food commodities at half the cost, at a rate of 2 million boxes per month, to be distributed at the armed forces outlets.366 Subsidies On March 22, 2022, the Egyptian government fixed the price of I kilogram of bread to 11.5 Egyptian pounds ($0.63). The regulation applies to non-subsidized bakeries. Violators could face fines between $5,500 and $275,000 if caught. Egypt’s wheat supply has been significantly affected by the Russian-Ukraine crisis. Prior to the war, Egypt received around 80% of its wheat from the two countries, and prices have since skyrocketed. Egypt is one of the biggest wheat importers in the world.367 The government launched Ahlan (Welcome) Ramadan Initiative to provide key staples and food commodities at low prices nationwide. They are 160 vendors taking part in this initiative offering discounts up to 30%.368 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies The government announced in March 2022 the expansion of Takafol and Karama social protection program coverage to include an Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers additional 450,000 households (around 2 million people) with estimated budget of EGP2.7 billion (around US$150 million). On July 168 26th, the government gave directives to expand the number of families benefiting from the program by adding an additional one million families to the program, taking the number of the beneficiaries to more than 20 million citizens nationwide.369, 370 Egypt’s National Alliance for Civil Development Work (NACDW) has allocated around EGP 2.4 billion to support 400,000 impoverished families on a monthly basis over one year amid the current global economic crisis. The NACDW will continue its social protection Wasl El-Khair initiative to provide nutritional, medical, and social care as well as economic empowerment opportunities to around five million families in 2022.371 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions [July 2022] The President gave directives to the Ministry of Awqaf, in Unconditional in-kind transfers partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, to distribute (food, vouchers, others) sacrificial meat throughout the year.372 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance On March 21, 2022, the government announced the allocation of EGP 190.5 billion to increase pensions by 13% (with a minimum of EGP 120 per pensioner). This will take effect in April instead of July.373 In July 2022, the GoE announced disbursing exceptional aid to 9 Social Insurance Pensions million families for the next 6 months, at a total cost of about one billion pounds per month for the neediest families and pensioners, who receive a monthly pension of less than 2,500 pounds, as well as workers in the state’s administrative apparatus who receive a salary of less than 2,700 pounds per month.374 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver 169 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On March 10, 2022, Egypt announced to ban the export lentils, pasta, wheat, flour and fava beans for a duration of three months starting from March 11, 2022. On June 8, 2022, Egypt extended this ban for another 3 months.375, 376 Export/import restriction Trade On March 12, 2022, Egypt announced to ban the exports of all kinds of vegetable oil and corn for three months starting from March 12, 2022. On June 10, 2022, Egypt decided to extend this ban for another 3 months.377 Export/import easing On March 21, 2022, Egypt announced that income tax exemption limit Direct tax has been increased by 25 percent from EGP 24,000 to 30,000 per Tax individual.378 Indirect tax 170 El Salvador Fuel subsidies On April 4th, Congress approved a new fuel subsidy aimed at creating a price control for gasoline and diesel that is set to last two months.379 Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies On July 1st, the government announced a plan to increase the Wage increase minimum salary by 20% starting in August. This plan is still awaiting full approval.380 Trade Export/import restriction 171 Export/import easing Direct tax On March 14, 2022, El Salvador implemented various measures to curb the rising prices. One of these was the elimination of various Tax taxes related to fuel. One of which was the Fondo de Estabilización Indirect tax para el Fomento Económico (FEFE) which was US$0.16 per gallon of gasoline and is set to last for 3 months. The elimination of this tax alone is estimated to cost the government US$11.5 million in lost revenue.381 172 Eritrea Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 12 April, 2022, Eritrea announced that it will subsidize public transport to cushion the inflationary pressure caused by a new increase of up to 25 percent in fuel prices.382 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 173 Indirect tax 174 Estonia Fuel subsidies The natural gas price cap measure for household customers applied to January, February and March, with the cap set at 6.5 cents per kWh on gas consumption up to 2.75 mWh per month; the portion of bills exceeding this cap was compensated.383 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On October 14, 2021, Estonia announced an energy price subsidy for low-income families. If the price goes above 60 euros per MWh, then that difference will be compensated directly to these families. Initially expected to reach 70,000 households with funds coming from the sale of CO2 emission credits. This was extended at the end of 2021 to include a wider group of households, bringing the number of beneficiaries to 380,000 and the total cost to 79 million euros. A third extension was announced on January 25, 2022, which extended the price cap and froze all of the taxes on energy for private households and businesses. As of April 20th, Estonia has spent around 170 million euros in compensation for high energy prices. This sum is for some 7 measures which were implemented starting in October 2021 and were extended and expanded throughout this period.384, 385, 386 Subsidies The compensation of electricity network fees proved the most expensive measure for the state. While the measure initially covered half the cost of network fees for all users, beginning in January, network fees were paid in full for institutions and businesses, bringing the total price tag of the measure, which expired at the end of March, to €103.7 million. Under this measure, a total of €12 million was paid out in October, €13 million in November, €15 million in December, and more than €20 million each month from January through March. Another €21.4 million was spent on compensating gas network fees for both household customers and business consumers. Gas network fees were covered in full for all users from December through March. Network fees were highest in December, costing a total of €6.4 million.387 For the months of February and March, household customers received support in the total amount of €13.5 million, or €6.8 million and €6.7 million, respectively, to cover the increase in the cost of district heating. Household customers' district heating bills were compensated in the amount of 65 percent of the portion of heating bills to exceed October 2021 figures.388 Social Unconditional cash transfers Assistance 175 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 176 Eswatini Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On 28 July 2022, Eswatini announced payments for the input subsidy for farmers starting from 1 August 2022. Payments shall be done when the target has been reached or by the end of October 2022, whichever comes first. The payments shall be done at Eswatini bank and EPTC. The average projected cost for the packages is approximately E14000 for maize, E12000 for beans and E7000 for sorghum. These packages will Subsidies cover an area equivalent to one hectare. The farmer is expected to contribute 35% and government will contribute the balance of 65%. N.B. that this shall only apply to this current season and from next year farmers are expected to contribute the normal 50%. Also, farmers can pay up to 3ha maximum compared to the 1ha maximum that was used in the past years. The prices are as follows: 1. Maize – E4900 (Farmer) and E9100 (Government); 2. Beans – E4200 (Farmers) and E7800 (Government); 3. Sorghum – E2450 (Farmer) and E4550 (Government).389 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) 177 Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 178 Ethiopia Fuel subsidies Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction On April 8, 2022, Ethiopia passed a directive allowing franco-valuta imports of Trade essential food commodities without foreign exchange permits. With the new decision, Export/import easing the government lifted the foreign exchange permit conditions imposed previously — a minimum import threshold of $250,000 and verification of the source of foreign 179 currency with the National Bank of Ethiopia -- in April 2021. But now the food commodities approved for direct importation through the franco-valuta scheme are wheat, rice, sugar, edible oils, and instant baby milk. It now removed the foreign exchange permit requirements for franco-valuta imports amidst a shortage of essential food commodities and rising inflation in the country.390 Direct tax In September 2021, Ethiopia removed tariffs and taxes levied on imports of food Tax commodities such as wheat, sugar, rice, and edible oils to stabilize the rising food Indirect tax inflation in the country. The tariff and tax removal will stay in effect for an unspecified period from the date of public announcement.391 180 Fiji Fuel subsidies Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On July 18, 2022, To help cope with rising prices, Fiji’s 2022-2023 budget includes a child benefit payable to parents with a combined annual income of less than $50,000 and with children under the age of 18, in the amount of $180 per child (only for children below 18 years) over a 6-month period, or $30 per month per child, to be paid out in two phases. An online platform will be developed through which parents can apply. Applications will be verified through the Birth Registration Number (BRN) to ensure the applicant and child details are correct. All applicants currently receiving Energy Fiji Limited subsidy, Water Authority of Fiji subsidy, and students on transportation assistance will automatically qualify as they are already assessed to be earning less than $50,000 annual income: all other applicants will have to go through an additional process of income verification via FRCS and FNPF; and those in the informal sector will have to do so via statutory declaration.392 On July 22, 2022, Government pensioners and After Care Fund recipients will receive a Social Unconditional cash transfers direct additional top-up of $180 to their accounts on August 31, 2022 (aligned with their Assistance next pension payment date). Similarly, all social welfare recipients will also receive a direct additional top-up of $180 to their accounts on September 5, 2022 aligned to their next welfare payment date. Approximately $18 million will be paid to more than 90,000 social welfare recipients and around 8,000 Government pensioners and After Care Fund recipients.393 On July 29, 2022, The Ministry for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation (MWCPA) has further announced a revised Bus Fare Allowance Payment Schedule. The bus fare allowance refers to the subsidy scheme of the Fijian Government that assists older persons (aged 60+) and persons living with disabilities (approx. 51,700 individuals altogether). As per the Fijian Government Budget Announcement in July 2022, MWCPA will continue to pay the Busfare Top Up as a lump sum to cover 3 months travel allowance. This payment will be made by the 5th date of every quarter. The next quarterly payment of $75 will be paid by August 5, 2022.394 181 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 182 Finland Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing On February 18, 2022, the Finnish government announced measures to offset high energy Tax Direct tax prices with subsidies and tax cuts. As part of it, the maximum deduction for travel expenses between home and the workplace will be temporarily increased from EUR 7,000 183 to EUR 8,400 in taxes for 2022. This is provided in the form of tax exempt, as the commute to work will not be regarded as travel for tax purpose.395, 396 On February 18, 2022, the Finnish government announced measures to offset high energy prices with subsidies and tax cuts. As part of it, a mileage allowance for commuting expenses when using one's own car will be temporarily increased to EUR 0.30/km (previously EUR 0.25/km). This is provided in the form of tax exempt, as the commute to work will not be regarded as travel for tax purpose.397, 398 Indirect tax 184 France Fuel subsidies From April 1, 2022 and for four months, a discount of €0.18 will be introduced at service stations to curb the rise in fuel prices. This aid, announced on 12 March, concerns private individuals and companies and is valid on all types of fuel. In Corsica, where VAT is lower, the discount will be €0.17. In the French overseas territories, where there is no VAT on petroleum products, it will be €0.15. The cost to the state is estimated at €3 billion.399 [25 April 2022] A targeted device will replace the 18-cent discount in the summer. The future device on the price of fuel should take into account the level of income, the type of vehicle, its consumption or the kilometers traveled.400 [July 2022] The current state- financed rebate of 18 cents per liter will be increased to 30 cents in September and October.401 Partially covering fuel costs amounting to €0.35 ($0.39) a liter for fishermen's boats until July 31, 2022 and €0.15 ($0.17) a liter for truckers.402,403 From April 1, oil giant Total Energies will offer a discount of €0.10 per liter at domestic petrol stations.404 "fuel allowance for employees" (of between 300 and 500 euros, depending on income and Subsidies the distance to the workplace), which will apply to half of all people in the lower income bracket, or some 12 million households. From October this will take the form of a discount of 18 cents at the pump, to be progressively reduced until December. The total cost from now until the end of the year will be 4.6 billion euros.405 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Faced with the increase in the cost of animal feed, the government is implementing an exceptional measure by paying part of the additional cost of feed. With a budget of up to 400 million euros, this measure is targeted at farms that are heavily dependent on feed purchases and that will experience losses due to this increase. This aid will last for four months from April 1, 2022 with the first payments to be made within two months.406 Fees subsidies On December 30, 2021, France announced that the increase in electricity prices has been limited to 4% in 2022., 407 408 [July 2022] The government set a price cap to limit rent increases to 3.5% and a 3.5% increase in housing subsidies.409 185 On July 7, 2022, it is reported that France announced a 20-billion bill which also maintains a price cap on gas.410 [April 2022] The Ministry of Solidarity and Health has announced that the regulatory increase from April 1 for several social benefits will be 1.8%. This concerns the active solidarity income (RSA) which will therefore be 575.32 euro per month for a single person without children.411 [July 2022] The active solidarity income will be increased by 4%. This measure was voted in the package of measures for purchasing power, and was formalized in the Official Journal on July 17. Thus, an RSA beneficiary without children who received €575.52 per month will receive around €23 more, or €598.412 [April 2022] The Ministry of Solidarity and Health has announced that the regulatory increase from April 1 for several social benefits will be 1.8%. This concerns the activity Unconditional cash transfers bonus paid to the most precarious workers (563.68 euros per month for a single person).413 [May 2022] Private sector employees will benefit from the permanent tripling of the Social ceiling of the so-called "Macron" purchasing power bonus without taxes or charges. The Assistance bonus has been renewed in 2021 and can be paid until March 31st, 2022. It allows employers to pay a bonus exempt from income tax and social contributions to employees whose salary does not exceed a certain threshold.414 [July 2022] The bill approved in July extends this measure.415, 416, 417 [July 2022] The new bill also includes up to 4% on disability allowance, family benefits and scholarships for students.418 [July 2022] The new bill envisions a 100-euro grant for the start of the school year (plus 50 euros per child) for 8 million households.419 Conditional cash transfers [April 2022] The Ministry of Solidarity and Health has announced that the regulatory Social pensions increase from April 1 for several social benefits will be 1.8%. This concerns the disabled adult allowance (AAH), disability pensions and all family benefits.420 Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, On 15 September 2021, the government announced plans for a one-off €100 payment to vouchers, others) the 5.8 million households that already receive energy vouchers. In October, the 186 government augmented the number of beneficiaries of the voucher to everyone earning less than €2.000 per month net, that is, around 38 million people.421, 422 [March 2022] The government is considering giving special cheques to poor households to compensate for increased food prices. The introduction of the food voucher was discussed and then voted on in Parliament in July 2021. The food voucher should range between 50 to 60 euros per month per household. A 4 to 6 billion euros of cost for the State. The food check should concern more than 8 million French people. [July 2022] The food voucher or rather the exceptional back-to-school of 100 euros plus 50 euros per additional dependent child will be paid as of October 1, 2022, to students with scholarships and recipients of minimum social benefits in an attempt to combat the rise in inflation, which is detrimental to the purchasing power of the most modest. This time, the exceptional back-to-school aid will be more targeted, 8 million households will be concerned, which represents nearly 14 million French people. The aid will be paid automatically, without any action required from the beneficiaries. A transfer will be made to their bank account. The measure is estimated at 1 billion euros for the State.423, 424 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance [May 2022] The Ministry of Labour stated that the executive wanted to index retirement pensions to inflation from July. If inflation at 4% is considered, for a pension of 1,200 euros, it is a gain of 45 euros per month. It should be noted, however, that this indexation Social Pensions will only be applied to retirement pensions from the general scheme. The contours of this Insurance measure remain unclear, particularly regarding the eligibility of retirees to benefit from a larger pension.425 [July 2022] The new 20-billion bill approved in July also includes increased pensions.426 Unemployment benefits [May 2022] The self-employed will benefit from a permanent reduction in their Social security contributions waiver contributions, which will generate a gain of 550 euros per year at the level of the minimum wage.427 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Market Labor market regulations 187 [May 2022] To protect employment in France, the long-term partial activity scheme Wage subsidies (APLD) will be extended.428 [July 2022] The bill approved in July includes a 4% increase in the activity bonus for low-income workers.429 On 15 March 2022, the French government announced that it will raise the salaries of civil servants to compensate for the sharp increase in inflation due to energy prices.430, 431 This review could be completed before the summer.432 [July 2022] A 3.5% increase in the civil Wage increase service salary indexation benchmark as of July 1.433 [May 2022] Public officials will benefit from the increase in the value of the index point for their remuneration, which will be agreed with the trade unions.434 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing On January 25, 2022, France announced plans for a further cut of 10% in its tax on Direct tax transport costs for commuters.435 On December 30, 2021, France announced the possibility of reducing the rate of excise duty levied on natural gas for individual consumers only. This possibility applies only for those months in which the condition provided for would be met, i.e., if the natural gas supply costs for a given month of the year 2022 exceed those of October 2021. This provision completes the freezing of regulated natural gas sales tariffs at their October 2021 levels. This freeze has been in effect since November 1, 2021 and may continue to apply until a date between April 30, 2022, and December 31, 2022. The possible reduction of the excise tax levied on natural gas, which may not result in a rate lower than the European Tax minimum set for private individuals (i.e. 1.08 €/MWh in gross calorific value), will be established by decree.436, 437, 438 Indirect tax On January 30, 2022, France announced that it would reduce the electricity tax (i.e, the Excise Tax on Final Electricity Consumption) from €22.50 per megawatt hour to €1 for households starting from February 2022 to January 2023.439 On May 11, 2022, France announced that contribution to public broadcasting will be permanently abolished this year and the financing of public broadcasting will be ensured in compliance with the constitutional objective of pluralism and independence of the media. The abolition of this tax will return purchasing power to the tune of 138 euros per year (figure for metropolitan France) to nearly 23 million households liable.440 188 189 Gabon Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On 4 April, 2022, the Gabonese state subsidized the price of foodstuffs such as flour.441, 442, 443 Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 190 On March 16, 2022, the Gabon abolished taxes and customs duties on imports of 23 basic Indirect tax goods.444 191 Gambia, The Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On June 15, 2022, Gambia reduced fertilizer price from D2,500 To D2000.445 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 192 193 Georgia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On June 2, 2022, The Georgian government decided to impose a one-year ban on Export/import restriction exports of locally produced wheat and barley from July 4, 2022. The ban is introduced Trade to avoid a shortage of these agricultural products inside the country.446 Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 194 Indirect tax 195 Germany447 Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On March 24, 2022, the “9 for 90” scheme announced by the government will offer public transport tickets for €9 per month for 90 days (so €27 in total for three months) in a bid to Subsidies encourage people to opt for public transport over driving. The initiative is projected to cost transport associations in Germany around €2,5 billion, a sum that will be entirely covered by the federal government. This money will be transferred to the federal states, who are responsible for public transport, and so will be the ones to implement the scheme. It would allow people to use their local bus, tram, U-Bahn and train network at a heavily discounted price – monthly travel tickets in Germany typically cost around €80 to €100.448, 449, 450 [24 March 2022] One-off energy tax-relief payment of €300 ($330). It will be paid to people through their wages and those on social benefits will also receive a top-up of €100. Families who receive child support benefits will also see a one-off payment of €100 per child.451, 452 [22 August 2022] Workers in Germany will start to receive a €300 payment from next month.453 The government decided on March 16 to double state support towards heating bills, having earmarked a package of help last month (January 2022) for the most vulnerable in society: a € 130 million package of one-time grants to low-income households, which will be paid over the summer when households receive their bills from energy suppliers.454, 455 Social Unconditional cash transfers Assistance The package approved on February 24 included €135/person for students and citizens who receive support for paying their rent.456 The package approved on February 24 increased payments for poor children (+€20/month per child).457 The package approved on February 24 gave welfare recipients (Hartz IV) €100 per person.458 [February 2022] The first package included a one-time heating cost allowance. People who receive a housing allowance and trainees and students who receive funding under the 196 Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) will receive a one-time heating cost allowance of 270 euros (€) (about US$284) and €230 (about US$242), respectively. The amendment will enter into force on June 1, 2022, and automatically expire on May 31, 2032.459 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance [April 2022] Pensions in states that made up the former West Germany, where there was no increase last year, are to receive an increase of 5.35% from July 1 — the biggest hike Social Pensions for the region since 1983. In the former states of East Germany, where there was a slight Insurance rise of 0.72% pensions in 2021, pensions will rise by 6.12%. That represents the highest increase since 1994.460 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Wage subsidies Market [February 2022] The first package raised the employee standard allowance by €200 (about Wage increase US$210) to €1,200 (about US$1,260).461 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing On February 24, 2022, Germany announced a package including an increase in the commuter allowance (+3ct to 38 ct/km). This allowance was previously 35 cents per Tax Direct tax kilometer from the 21st kilometer and an increase was originally planned for 2024 – this increase was bumped up by 2 years to help relieve taxpayers.462, 463 197 On August 10, 2022, a 10-billion package was approved to raise base tax-free allowance as well as bring up the level from which the top income tax rate of as 42% will apply. Families will also benefit from higher tax exemptions for dependent children. It is announced that 48 million germans would have faced higher taxes had the tax relief not been announced. The tax free allowance will rise to 10,632 euros next year and 10,932 in 2024 from 10,347 euros currently. Meanwhile, the top tax rate will kick in from an income of 61,972 euros next year and 63,515 euros in 2023 compared with 58,597 euros currently.464 On March 24, 2022, Germany introduced a three-month reduction in the tax on fuel for vehicles by €0.30 per liter for gasoline and by €0.14 per liter for diesel.465 In 2022, the Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz (EEG), a levy on the price of electricity, fell from 6.5 to 3.723 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity. That is a reduction of around 43 percent. This was announced by the four transmission system operators Amprion, 50Hertz, TransnetBW and Tennet on October 15, 2021. At the start of February 2022, Germany called for a further reduction of the EEG surcharge, before 2023, which would relieve Indirect tax households by an average of €300. The government plans to cover the outstanding levies by using €3.3bn collected by the treasury via carbon taxes. At the end of April 2022, the Bundestag passed a law to eliminate the EEG surcharge altogether from July this year.466, 467, 468 [August 18, 2022] Germany will temporarily cut sales tax (VAT) on natural gas to 7% from 19% to ease the burden on households and companies suffering due to surging energy costs and hit by a new levy taking effect in October.469 198 Ghana Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On April 11, 2022 Ghana banned the export of maize and soya beans as part of the measures to ensure food security and increase local poultry and livestock production from 1 April to 20 September 2022. The ban of maize and soybean exports affected Trade Export/import restriction eight countries: Niger, Sierra Leone, the Republic of Congo, the United Kingdom, Qatar, the United States, Italy and Canada. This is an extension of the already existing ban, which was put in place in September 2021.470, 471, 472, 473, 474 199 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 200 Greece Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On May 5, 2022, Greece announced a price ceiling on energy prices that is set to last for one year and begin in July, 2022.475, 476 On May 5th, the government announced a rebate of up to 60%, with a maximum of 600 euros, for high energy prices starting from December 2021 until May 2022. Only those making up to 45,000 euros are eligible for this rebate. It will come as a direct cash transfer to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. For May and June, households will receive a 50% rebate for any increase in consumption above 300kWh.477 Unconditional cash transfers In April 2022, as part of the 1.1 billion euros package, there will be a one-off cash transfer of 200 euros. This is set to begin distribution during Holy Week. This transfer is set to reach multiple categories of beneficiaries. These are: pensioners (676,735 beneficiaries and 135 million euros is budgeted), child benefit recipients (625,000 beneficiaries and 97.5 million euros are budgeted), uninsured seniors (34,964 beneficiaries and 7 million euros are budgeted), citizens with disabilities (166,982 beneficiaries and 33.4 million euros is budgeted), and double the amount for KEA recipients.478, 479,480 Social Conditional cash transfers Assistance Social pensions On March 17th, the government announced new measures to target rising prices totaling 1.1 billion euros. One of which was a fuel rebate program which was set to last for three months. The subsidy comes in the form of a cash transfer through the use of an e-card for use at gas stations. The amount ranges between 30 to 50 euros for residents depending on the type of vehicle and location of residence (residents of islands will receive more than Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, mainland residents). Only those individuals who made up to 30,000 euros in 2020 are vouchers, others) eligible for this benefit. This is estimated to be 3 million people or roughly 1.4 million households. This measure accounts for roughly 130 million euros. On April 26th, the website for the fuel subsidy cash transfer program was launched and was made available. On 21 June 2022, the government announced it extends the fuel subsidy to motorists for another three months. i.e. for July, August and September 2022. At the same time, it increased the amount for car owners to 80 euros in the mainland and 100 euros on the 201 islands. For motorcycle owners the amount will be €60 and €70, respectively. The subsidy will benefit around 3.1 million motorists. The subsidy is for the whole quarter (3 months) and not on monthly basis. Total cost of the subsidy for “Fuel Pass 2” is estimated at 375 million euros, while the total subsidy for FUELPASS 1 and 2 is 580 million euros.481, 482, 483, 484 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On March 17th, as part of the 1.1 billion euros package, there will also be a measure to Indirect tax support farmers and stockbreeders by reducing taxes on fertilizers and animal feed.485 202 Grenada Fuel subsidies [March 2022] There is a price cap of EC$15 on fuel in the form of a government subsidy in Grenada.486 Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 203 Indirect tax 204 Guatemala Fuel subsidies On April 4, a new law was introduced to provide a fuel subsidy of 5 Quetzal per gallon of diesel fuel and 2.5 Quetzal for regular gasoline to consumers for a period of two months.487 On May 18th, the government approved an extension and expansion of the previous subsidy law for fuel. The subsidy will increase from 2.5Q for a gallon of regular gas to 5Q. There will be a new 5Q per gallon subsidy for superior gasoline. Diesel gasoline will Subsidies receive 7Q per gallon subsidy, an increase from 5Q as outlined in the previous decree. These subsidies are also extended until August 4th.488, 489, 490 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 205 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 206 Guinea Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On March 24, 2022, Guinea regulated the prices of certain necessities on the market: rice, flour, sugar, oil and onion.491, 492 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On March 24, 2022, Guinea announced to stabilize the prices of water, electricity and domestic gas throughout the period of three months.493, 494 On March 24, 2022, Guinea announced that there is a limit of up to three months' rent for the advance to be paid to landlords for residential rentals.495 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 207 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On March 24, 2022, Guinea announced that the customs duties will be reduced on certain Indirect tax essential products, including rice and consumer sugar.496 208 Guinea-Bissau Fuel subsidies Food subsidies [April 2022] The Guinean government set new prices for rice, sugar and wheat flour. The measure determines that a 50-kilogram bag of rice will cost the public 17,500 CFA Subsidies francs (about 26 euros), a bag of sugar 25,000 CFA francs (about 38 euros) and a bag of wheat flour 23,000 CFA francs (around 30 euros).497 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 209 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 210 Guyana Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On May 16th, Guyana’s president announced a new one-off cash transfer of $25,000 to Unconditional cash transfers every household in the Riverine and Hinterland communities. This will cost a total of $800 million and therefore cover 32,000 households.498, 499 Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, On May 16th, Guyana’s president announced that the government will be purchasing $1 vouchers, others) billion worth of fertilizer for free distribution to farmers.500 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 211 On March 23, 2022, Guyana announced the removal of the excise tax on gasoline and Indirect tax diesel fuel to lower prices for consumers amidst the rise in global prices.501 212 Honduras Fuel subsidies On March 15th, the government implemented a fuel subsidy that will cover 50% of the increase in the price of diesel.502, 503 On February 4th, 2022, the government implemented a price stabilization strategy for Subsidies liquid cooking gas set to last until December 31st, 2022.504 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 213 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 214 Hong Kong Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On March 30, 2022, Hong Kong households to get HK$1,000 electricity subsidy from June. Starting from June, a subsidy of HK$80 will be credited to each residential electricity account with the city’s two electricity companies in existence on the first day of each month for 11 consecutive months, and HK$120 in the 12th month, making up to a total of HK$1,000.505, 506 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations On March 30, 2022, Hong Kong government to spend additional HK$12 billion on Labor revamped wage subsidy scheme. Eligible employers will receive subsidies in the fixed Market amount of HK$8,000 for each full-time employee it employs who earns less than Wage subsidies HK$30,000 per month. Employers will not be able to apply for subsidies in respect of employees earning more than that amount. [Update] On August 22, 2022, The Hong Kong government announced that it has completed the processing of all applications under the 215 Temporary Unemployment Relief Scheme. Among the 470,000 applications received, up to 350,000 applicants have been granted the subsidies, which far exceeds the original estimate of 300,000 beneficiaries. Total subsidies granted amount to HK$3.5bn.507, 508, 509 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 216 Hungary Fuel subsidies Price caps on gasoline and diesel at a max of 1.30 euros were initially announced on November 11, 2021 for a duration of three months. On February 12, 2022, the same price cap was extended another three months. [Extension] On April 27th, the government announced the extension of the price cap of 480 forints (about 1.30 euros) per liter of gasoline until July 1. [Extension] The same price cap on fuel is now set to run until Subsidies October, but narrowed the coverage by restricting the price-capped on petrol and diesel to privately-owned vehicles, farm vehicles and taxis, and exclude company-owned cars.510, 511, 512, 513 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 217 On March 4, 2022, Hungary imposed restriction all grain (wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, Export/import restriction soybeans and sunflower seed) exports by imposing export licensing requirements effective Trade immediately due to price increases caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.514 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 218 Iceland Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies [May 2022] Housing benefits will go up by ten percent from June 1st, and the income threshold will go up by three percent. This will cost the treasury one billion krónur per year.515, 516 [May 2022] People who receive income-linked child benefits will receive a special Unconditional cash transfers payment of 20,000 krónur at the end of June, if the bill passes Alþingi. This will cost the state 1.1 billion krónur.517 Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Pensions Social Unemployment benefits Insurance [May 2022] The government has announced plans to dampen the impact of inflation on low earners in Iceland by increasing benefits. The announced package includes general Social security contributions waiver insurance fund benefits increasing by three percent from the start of June, at a cost of 14 billion krónur to the treasury.518 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 219 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 220 India Fuel subsidies Food subsidies For 2022-23, India has allocated Rs 2.06 lakh crore (i.e., INR 2.06 trillion) for food subsidy. This is 97% of the budget for the Department of Food and Public Distribution, which is in charge of the India’s Public Distribution System.519 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On 16 March 2022, it is reported that the ongoing Ukraine conflict is likely to erode Subsidies India’s funds on agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and its subsidy bill is expected to increase by Rs 10,000-15,000 crore. The government, on March 14, sought the Parliament’s consent for net additional spending of over Rs 1.07 lakh crore (I.e., 1.07 trillion), including about Rs 15,000 crore towards fertilizer subsidy.520 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 221 On May 13, 2022, India has banned exports of wheat effective immediately. It highlighted a risk to food security, partly due to the war in Ukraine as well as due to a scorching heatwave curtailed output (as much as by 50% in some regions of the country) and as a result domestic prices hit a record high.521 On May 24, 2022, India has imposed export restriction on sugar (raw, refined and white Export/import restriction sugar) by setting a cap of 10 million tons on sugar exports to ensure domestic availability. Trade The export restriction will be in place starting from June 1, 2022, until the end of October.522 On July 7, 2022, India has tweaked export policy for wheat flour and asked traders to secure permission before exporting the commodity. On August 25, 2022, the government has increased the restriction by putting a ban on wheat flour, maida, semolina.523, 524 Export/import easing Direct tax On November 4, 2021, India had cut excise duty to give relief from prices that had reached an all-time high level. The government had reduced the duty on petrol by ₹5 per liter and Tax on diesel by ₹10 a liter, leading to a substantial reduction in prices of fuel.525 Indirect tax In December 2021, the Delhi government, in India, had reduced the value-added tax (VAT) on petrol from 30 per cent to 19.40 per cent. With this, petrol prices in the national capital were slashed by ₹ 8.56 per liter.526 222 Indonesia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On January 2022 to 31 May 2022, the government allocated IDR 7.2 trillion to subsidize cooking oil. The subsidy scheme compensated producers for IDR 14,000 per liter and the difference from market price was covered using funds from the Palm Oil Support Fund Agency (BPDPKS). On 1 June 2022, the government switched the subsidy program for raw material price cap to increase supply by applying domestic market obligation (DMO). Subsidies The government expects to increase domestic bulk cooking oil supplies up to 12,000 tons a day, from 9,000 tons previously and aims to maintain the price at IDR 14.000.527 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On May 19 2022, the government obtained the Parliament’s approval for additional spending of IDR 3.1 trillion for electricity subsidy (from national budget) and IDR 21.4 trillion for electricity compensation (outside national budget) from state utility firm PLN.528 On 5 April 2022, in response to the increase of cooking oil, government committed to distribute unconditional cash transfers (BLT minyak goreng) of IDR 6.9 trillion for poor households and street vendors. Each beneficiary receives IDR 100,000/month in April- Unconditional cash transfers June. On 19 May 2022, the government obtained the Parliament’s approval for additional spending of over IDR 18.6 trillion for social protection programs, including Unconditional Cash Transfer for 20.65 million beneficiaries and Cash Assistance for Micro Enterprises.529 Social Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver 223 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction On 22 April 2022, Indonesia imposed a ban on the export of palm oil. However, on May Trade 19, 2022, it announced to lift the ban to ease the tight pressure on global food prices. On Export/import easing May 20, 2022, the government again re-imposed domestic sales requirement on palm oil.530, 531, 532 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 224 Iran Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On May 9, 2022, Iran announced that it will provide cash compensations for raise in prices of bread. It will pay monthly around 4 million rials (about $15) to 30 percent of Unconditional cash transfers the population at the lowest-income groups, and around 3 million to 60 percent of the population. The 10 percent at the highest income level will receive no cash handouts.533 Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On April 4, 2022, Iran in an attempt to cushion the price hikes, reduced VAT rates on certain goods and services. Instead at 13%, the following is now taxed at a reduced rate of 5%: edible oils and fats; baby food; certain live animals and fish, fresh and chilled Trade Export/import restriction meat, sausages, fish, crabs; poultry, eggs; fresh and chilled vegetables; fresh and dried fruit and nuts; seeds and seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides; and concert tickets. Similarly, instead of the standard rate of 25%, a reduced rate of 5% now applies to: butter and 225 margarine, and tickets for sporting and cultural events. Next, instead of the standard rate of 25%, a reduced rate of 13% now applies to: natural gas and heat energy; pellets, briquette, wood chips and firewood; and sanitary products. Exceptionally, a VAT rate of 5% applies on the supply of natural gas until 31 March next year. It remains to be seen to which extent these reduced VAT rates will bring down prices for end consumers.534 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 226 Iraq Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On June 8, 2022, the Iraqi parliament endorsed the emergency food security law. The Unconditional cash transfers law aims to secure financial resources for food security, reduce poverty and insure financial sustainability.535 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Social Assistance On June 8, 2022, the Iraqi parliament endorsed the emergency food security law, the Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, law aims to secure financial resources for food security, reduce poverty and insure vouchers, others) financial sustainability. The cost is $3.4 billion, and it aims to cover 95% of the population. This measure covers 35,000 individuals.536 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade On April 14, 2022, Iraq in response to the increasing prices of various commodities, Export/import easing Iraq suspends the import restriction (in the form of import licenses) on some goods, including food items, consumables, and medicines until June 8, 2022.537 On November 227 2, 2021, Iraq imposed restriction on the import of the following product and such products requires special approval before importing: agriculture seeds, live animals, chemicals and harmful materials, pharmaceutical products, products containing alcohol, pornography, and archaeological artifacts.538 Direct tax On March 10, 2022, Iraq announced to suspend customs duties on basic commodities Tax such as foodstuffs, construction materials and essential consumables for a period of Indirect tax three months.539 Initially, this measure was announced for 2 months but increased to 3 months.540 228 Ireland Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 7 March 2022, Ireland announced that electricity credit payment to households was doubled to €200 and will continue through to March and April. Funding for the scheme Subsidies had also to increase accordingly, from €215 million to €400 million.541 This €200 (including VAT) electricity credit will be automatically applied to domestic electricity customers’ accounts, and it will appear either as a credit on the bill or as a top-up on the prepay meter. If the first billable amount, after the credit is applied to the account, is lower than the value of the credit, the credit will remain on the account and pass onto the following bill(s). The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has advised that the credit is for use against electricity consumption and is not refundable.542, 543 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies 229 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On 27 April 2022, Ireland introduced two financial resolutions, of which the first one provides for a temporary reduction in VAT on gas and electricity. At present, gas and electricity have a 13.5% VAT rate applied. This will be reduced to a 9% VAT rate from 1 May to 31 October 2022.544 Tax On 27 April 2022, Ireland introduced two financial resolutions, of which the second one Indirect tax provides for an extension and enhancement of the excise duty decreases on mineral oil taxes the Government provided for in March. The VAT-inclusive 20 cent reduction in the mineral oil tax rate for petrol and the 15 cent reduction on auto diesel, with a proportionate 2 cent reduction for marked gas oil, MGO, also known as green diesel, were due to last until 31 August 2022. The cost of this measure was €320 million. The purpose of this financial resolution is to extend these temporary reductions until budget day, with effect from 1 May. The estimated cost of this change is €80 million.545 230 Israel Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On July 25, 2022, Israel introduced price control on several type of bread items so that even the poorest families can afford them. The products include white and whole wheat bread as well the traditional challah bread. The prices of these regulated breads would be moderately increased by 5%. They explained that the government had reached an Subsidies agreement with Israel's major bakeries to increase the prices significantly less than the bakeries wished (36%). In exchange, the government agreed to lift price control measures by the end of April 2023. Another price hike is expected in December 2022.546 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 231 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On April 5, 2022, Israel cuts excise tax on fuel and as a result, prices of gasoline and diesel will fall by NIS 0.50 per liter with immediate effect. The cut comes after fuel prices have risen to an eight-year high due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.547 On July 31, Tax 2022, government further cut the tax by the same amount, resulting to a total NIS 1 in Indirect tax tax relief per liter. This latest tax discount, however, is set to last only a month and prices are expected to go up again by half a shekel per liter by the end of August. The initial half-shekel tax reduction that began in April is set to expire at the end of January 2023.548 232 Italy Fuel subsidies Fuel bonus in Friuli: the discount on the full tank of petrol, in this region, from April 1 and for the entire month will be worth twice as much as in the rest of Italy. Those who live in zone 1, i.e., in the municipalities closest to the border, will benefit from a total discount of €0.595 cents per liter on green petrol and €0.505 on diesel, while those who live in zone 2, which includes the rest of the territory, will be able to reduce spending respectively by €0.525 and €0.465 cents per liter. Those who own a hybrid car can count on an additional discount of €0.05 cents. Measure was extended until June 30, 2022.549, 550, 551 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies March 26, 2022, Energy bonus of €300 euros in Lazio, Itlay. This is a deduction on bills of €300 in favor of those with a taxable income for the purposes of the regional income tax surcharge ranging between €35 thousand and €40 thousand. The tax increase, on the other hand, will not be applied in the bill for citizens with taxable income up to 35 thousand euros, families with income up to 50 thousand euros with three or more dependent children, and those over seventy years of age and disabled or handicapped people belonging to families with taxable income not exceeding 50 thousand euros.552 Subsidies On September 27, 2022, in Italy, for around 29 million domestic customers, the rates relating to general system charges, extra costs that are part of the energy bills, are set at zero for the last quarter of 2021. In December 2021, the government announced the policy will continue in 2022.553 Increase in the social bonus (the discount on bills for economically disadvantaged families or those with serious health conditions) to compensate for new price increases. In December 2021, the government announced the policy will continue in 2022. The Italian government also introduced the possibility for consumers to pay their energy bills in multiple instalments for the whole of 2022. €912 million will be used to increase the social bonus. [August 2022] The allowance provided for in Article 32, Paragraph 1 of the Aid Decree is extended in favor of recipients of pension benefits from any mandatory social security form, pension or social allowance, pension or allowance for civil invalids, the blind and the deaf and dumb, as well as pension accompaniment treatments effective by July 1, 2022 (instead of by June 30, 2022).554 [18 March 2022] Electricity social bonus in Italy: for the period April 1-December 31, 2022, the ISEE (indicator of equivalent economic situation) value for access to the social bonus for electricity is € 12,000, or € 20,00 for families with four dependent children (this 233 also includes the social bonus for gas).555 [May 2, 2022] This has been extended until the end of September.556 The ordinary bonus ranges between €128 to €178, and it is recognized automatically in the form of a credit in the bill.557 The estimated cost of the measure for 2022 amounts to 102,8 million euro and will cover more than 5 million households.558, 559 [18 March 2022] Gas social bonus in Italy: for the period April 1-December 31, 2022, the ISEE (indicator of equivalent economic situation) value for access to the social bonus for gas is € 12,000, or € 20,00 for families with four dependent children (this also includes the social bonus for electricity).560 [May 2, 2022] This has been extended until the end of September.561 The ordinary bonus ranges between €30 to €245, and it is recognized automatically in the form of a credit in the bill. The estimated cost of the measure for 2022 amounts to 102,8 million euro and will cover more than 5 million households.562, 563, 564 On August 9, 2022, Italy announced the refinancing of the fund for "transport bonus": the Fund is dedicated to the support of families for the use of public transport services, established at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies, with provision for an allocation of 180 million euros for 2022.565 The flag-measure of the new package approved on May 2, 2022 is a €200 one-off bonus for 28 million workers and pensioners (with an income level lower than 35.000 euro).566 [August 2022] A bonus of €200 is also provided to another 300 thousand workers. In addition to those who have not received it because they are covered by notional Inps contributions (about 40,000 people), retirees starting by July 1 (50,000 Unconditional cash transfers people) and sports collaborators severely affected by the pandemic and energy crises (195,179, of whom about 47,000 could receive the bonus directly from Inps because they fall under one of the other cases provided for in the emergency regulations).567 The rule adds doctoral students and research assignees with active contracts and enrolled in the Social Separate Management Fund (56,000). The measure is worth about 60 million. Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Fuel bonus for 2022: the amount of the value of petrol vouchers given free of charge by private companies to employees, up to a limit of €200 per worker, does not contribute to the formation of income. The bonus can be disbursed during 2022 and the first 12 days of Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, 2023.568, 569 vouchers, others) [21 July 2022] The government strengthens the Psychologist Bonus. Five million more for the voucher to spend on one's mental health, with the allocation for this year thus 234 increasing from 10 million to 15 million. The total amount of the bonus varies according to the applicants' ISEE, which must be less than 50 thousand euros.570, 571 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance The draft-bull "Aiuti-bis" approved in August 2022 adjusts for a 2% inflation increment pensions for pensioners with income lower or equal to 35 thousand euro.572 Pensions [August 2022] Anticipation to November 1, 2022, of the adjustment for the calculation of pension equalization for the year 2021.573 Social Unemployment benefits Insurance Partial exemption of social security contributions payable by employees: for pay periods from July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, including the thirteenth or related accruals paid in the aforementioned pay periods, the exemption on the portion of social security contributions for disability, old age and survivors payable by employees excluding Social security contributions waiver domestic work relationships (referred to in Art. 1, paragraph 121, of Law No. 234 of December 30, 2021, Budget Law 2022), is increased by 1.2 percentage points. In view of the exceptional nature of the measure, the computation rate for pension benefits remains unchanged.574 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing According to the draft-bill "Aiuti-bis" approved in August 2022, workers with an income below 35 thousand euros per year will benefit from a tax discount of 1.2 percentage points on their wages until the end of 2022, for a cost of 1.2 billon to the State.575 Tax Direct tax The decree outlined on May 2, 2022, includes a 0.8 percentage points cut on the social security tax rate of civil servants.576 235 Reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel used as motor fuel of €0.25 per liter for a period of 30 days from March 22, 2022 (total discount of €0.305 cents/liter if 22% VAT is added). For LPG, excise duties decrease instead by €0.085 cents, as provided for in the ministerial decree (total discount of €0.1037 cents if VAT is added). The decree approved on May 2, 2022, extends the reductions until July 8, 2022. As for natural gas, excise taxes Indirect tax are set to zero. [August 2022] The draft-bill "Aiuti-bis" allocates more than 6 billon will be used to cover the extension of previously adopted measures.577, 578, 579, 580 October-December 2021: VAT on the use of natural gas will drop to 5% on supplies for “civil and industrial uses”. In December 2021, the government announced the policy will continue in 2022.581 236 Jamaica Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On March 17, 2022, Jamaica announced an electricity support subsidy to an estimated 460,000 customers of the Jamaica Public Service Company. The subsidy will be 20% for households consuming 200 kilowatt hours per month or less (roughly 81% of the customers). It will last from April to July of 2022.582 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance On April 5, 2022, Jamaica announced the ramping up of the Social Pension Program to target vulnerable seniors who are affected by increased prices. The program initially began Social in July 2021, but up until April of 2022, there were only 7,800 beneficiaries. The new Pensions Insurance target is to reach 20,000 beneficiaries. This program provides a check every two months, worth JMD$ 6,800. It is only applicable to citizens 75 years or older who submit an application and are accepted.583, 584 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies 237 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 238 Japan Fuel subsidies On March 31, 2022, Japan’s industry ministry discussed its gasoline subsidy for oil distributors to the upper limit of 25.0 yen ($0.21) a liter for the week starting March 31, up from 18.6 yen a week earlier. Japan raised its gasoline subsidy for oil distributors to 37.3 yen ($0.29) per liter for the seven days from May 26, from 36.1 yen a week earlier. From June 30th, for seven days, Japan lowered its gasoline subsidy for oil distributors to 38.4 yen a liter versus 40.5 yen from a week earlier. The temporary subsidy program was adopted in January to ease the blow from high crude prices because of tight global supplies, exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict.585, 586, 587 Subsidies On April 25, 2022, Japan announced that nearly 1.2 trillion yen ($9.4 billion) will be used to extend the current oil subsidy program through the end of September 2022. Crude oil prices have risen sharply due to fears of disruptions in supplies from Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. Wheat and corn prices are also up significantly, prompting food prices to soar.588 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies The relief package announced by Japan's parliament will 1.3 trillion yen for cash payouts Unconditional cash transfers to low-income households.589 Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) 239 Labor market regulations Labor Wage subsidies Market Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 240 Jordan Subsidies Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 31 July 2022, a temporary program was recently launched to compensate poor households for increases in fuel prices. The budget for this six-month compensation program is JOD 30M, which includes about JOD16M to support NAF (cash transfer) beneficiaries (about 220,000 households), JOD4M to support underprivileged university students (about 74,000 students), and JOD5 to support the Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers operating cost of public transport lines. The benefit size is as follows: - 8 dinars for households consisting of up to 2 individuals - 11 dinars for households consisting of 3-4 individuals - 14 dinars for households consisting of 5 or more individuals.590, 591, 592 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Social Insurance Paid sick leave Health insurance Pensions 241 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations Wage subsidies Wage increase On March 8, 2022, Jordan's Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply decided to retain a previous decision preventing the export and re- export of some essential food items including rice, sugar, dried milk, Trade Export/import restriction dry legumes, fodder, wheat and by-products, flour, fodder maize, fodder concentrates, as well as ghee and vegetable oils of all kinds (corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil and soybean oil.593 Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 242 Kazakhstan Fuel subsidies On January 1, 2022, the government lifted a price cap on fuel, setting off a sudden and steep increase in the cost of liquefied petroleum gas. On January 6, 2022, the government restored vehicle fuel price caps for six months. Petrol and diesel prices will also be capped Subsidies for the same period.594 In July 2022, this measure has been extended until Jan 2023.595 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On April 1, 2022, Kazakhstan announced temporary quotas on exports of wheat and wheat flour. The quotas, which went into effect on April 15, 2022, will be in place until at least Trade Export/import restriction June 15, 2022, and will limit exports of wheat grain to 1 million tons and wheat flour to 300,000 tons.596 On June 15, 2022, Kazakhstan extended the restriction until the end of 243 September 2022. The recently announced extension also added 550,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat to the original quota of 1.0 million metric tons (MMT), and 370,000 MT of wheat flour to the original quota of 300,000 MT.597 On January 11, 2022, Kazakhstan imposed a quota restriction on the export of sunflower seeds in the amount of 125 thousand tons Until July 1, 2022.598 On May 30, 2022, Kazakhstan has further announced an extension of the policy until 31 Sept 2022. At the same time, the total volume of products allowed for export has been increased from 125,000 tons to 140,000 tons.599 On January 11, 2022, Kazakhstan imposed a quota restriction on the export of sunflower oil in the amount of 114 thousand tons Until July 1, 2022. On May 30, 2022, Kazakhstan has further announced an extension of the policy until 31 August 2022. There is no change in the quota amount.600 Kazakhstan announced on May 13, 2022, that it will prohibit the export of white and cane sugar for six months, starting on May 23, 2022.601 On January 11, 2022, Kazakhstan temporary banned the export of live cattle and small cattle.602 The ban was suggested to be in place for 6 months.603 On 22 February 2022, Kazakhstan lifted the ban on the export of potatoes and carrots, and replaced it by imposing quotas on marketable and seed potatoes in the amount of 144,500 Export/import easing tons and 57,500 tons, respectively.604 The ban was in effect since January 22, 2022,605 it was introduced in order to stabilize prices for socially important food products, especially in the spring. The duration of the restriction was 3 months until May 1, 2022.606 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 244 Kenya Fuel subsidies Kenya plans to pay subsidy arrears to fuel sellers. The government signed a supplementary budget for the fiscal year which allocated an additional 35 billion shillings (roughly €250 million) for the country's fuel subsidy program.607 Food subsidies On July 20, 2022, Kenya as part of 5th stimulus package announced that Maize flour will retail across the entire territory of Kenya at the price of Ksh.100, down from Ksh.205 for a 2kg packet, until otherwise directed.608 This subsidy program of Ksh.105 per 2kg pack of Subsidies maize meal is meant to lower the cost of living for the vulnerable households. The duration of the program in 1 month (4-weeks) and is expected to cost Ksh.8 billion.609 The subsidy on the Maize flour is planned to end on August 20, 2022. Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On April 1, 2022, Kenya has unveiled a KSh5.73 billion fertilizer subsidy fund to subsidies prices for 2.28 million 50-kg bags of fertilizer for farmers growing food crops.610 This has reduced the cost of fertilizer from Ksh.6,000.00 to an average of Ksh.2,800.00.611 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies 245 Wage increase Export/import restriction On July 20, 2022, as part of the fifth stimulus package, Kenya suspended fees and levies Trade that included Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) & Kenya Bureau of Export/import easing Standards (KEBS) Testing Fee, Inspection Fee, Permit Fee on imported maize grain and raw materials for animal feeds for a period of four (4) months, with effect from 1 July 2022 until 31 October 2022.612 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 246 Kosovo Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Kosovo will temporarily ban the export of some food items amid the global food, energy, and fuel crisis, according to a government announcement. The decision has Export/import restriction Trade been taken to ensure that citizens have access to essential basket items including wheat, corn, flour, cooking oil, salt, and sugar.613 Export/import easing 247 Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 248 Kuwait Fuel subsidies Food subsidies As reported on May 25, 2022, Kuwait's Ministry of Commerce and Industries issued a decision to amend the distribution of frozen chicken through ration cards. From 1st of Subsidies June instead of 2 kgs it will be 3 kgs per person.614 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On March 20, 2022, it was announced that Kuwait will ban export of grains and vegetable oil to other countries and this policy will be in place until the end of Trade Export/import restriction December 2022.615, 616 249 On March 23, 2022, it was announced that Kuwait will ban the export of frozen chicken meat to other countries and this policy will be in place until the end of December 2022.617, 618 Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 250 Kyrgyz Republic Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On February 18, 2022, Kyrgyz Republic published Decree No.83 introducing temporary export restrictions on certain mineral fertilizers. The Decree highlighted that exports to the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are not subject Trade Export/import restriction to the ban. The ban is applicable until 26 August 2022.619 On June 1, 2022, Kyrgyzstan has imposed ban on sugar exports for six months.620 251 On March 23, 2022, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic imposed a temporary ban on the exports of certain types of goods for a duration of 6 months. The ban covers 11 types of essential commodities, including wheat and meslin, wheat flour, rice, macaroni products, vegetable oils, eggs, sugar and almost all types of feed for agricultural animals.621 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On March 23, 2022, Kyrgyz Republic exempted VAT on the import of sugar and Indirect tax vegetable oil. This policy will begin from April 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022.622 252 Latvia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies In January 2022, To support families with children between 1 January and 30 April, considering the increase of energy prices, Latvian state will pay monthly EUR 50 benefit for each – EUR 200 in total (4 months x EUR 50).623, 624 On August 9, 2022, Latvia announced a new cash transfer program aimed at vulnerable populations to help with rising prices during the upcoming winter months, starting Unconditional cash transfers November 1, 2022, and lasting until May 31, 2023. The target groups are seniors, pensioners, persons with disabilities, certain refugees, and survivors (those who’s spouses have passed away if that spouse was the main “breadwinner”). The cash Social transfer can be 10, 20, or 30 euros a month depending upon the amount that the Assistance beneficiary already receives from the government (the more received already the less they qualify for in this program).625, 626 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies 253 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 254 Lebanon Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Social Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, Assistance vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On March 11, Lebanon imposed export ban on food export of some locally produced Export/import restriction foods. It includes food items such as processed fruits and vegetables, milled grain Trade products, sugar, bread, and some types of alcohol. The ban also covers animal feed.627 Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 255 Lesotho Fuel subsidies On June 15, 2022, Lesotho has subsidized the increasing fuel prices by M1.50 excluding paraffin with M1.10 starting from July to December 2022. The new fuel prices will be fixed for a period of six months and stand as follows: Petrol 93 will now cost M22.20; Petrol 95 at M22.65; Diesel at M23.05; Paraffin at M17.80. The Subsidies government will put aside M30 Million per month to manage fuel prices.628 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 256 Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 257 Liberia Fuel subsidies The Government through the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company, announced on April 1, 2022, that the price of gasoline has been reduced by USD 0.61 cents, while diesel fuel is reduced by USD 0.53 cents.629, 630, 631 Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Under the Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) Project, the Government of Liberia is providing grant support to vulnerable households to revive or start small businesses, aiming to increase access to income earning opportunities for the vulnerable in the informal sector in response to the COVID-19 crisis in Liberia. This support runs from October 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024.632 Under the REALISE Project (P174417), the Government of Liberia plans to support rural youth and vulnerable farmers in rural communities to engage in communal level farming as a means of increasing their income generation opportunity in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This support is targeted to commence by December 2022.633 Unconditional cash transfers With Additional Financing (AF) from the Bank and donor partners under the REALISE Project (P174417), the Government of Liberia plans to provide cash transfers to extreme Social poor and vulnerable households (to include refugees and host communities) in targeted Assistance communities in Liberia to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 and recent food and fuel price increases. This support is targeted to commence by December 2022.634 Between February 2022 and June 2023, the Government is implementing the Social Cash Transfer Program in Bomi and Maryland Counties, under the Liberia Social Safety Nets Project, for a cost of $9.20 million. The Social Cash Transfer (SCT) program has provided income support, via mobile money, to almost 25,000 rural and urban households – surpassing its end target – via mobile money.635 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) 258 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Under the Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment (REALISER) Project (P174417), the Government of Liberia is providing temporary employment support and employability development for vulnerable workers in urban areas Public works with the aim of increasing access to income earning opportunities for the vulnerable in the informal sector in response to the COVID-19 crisis in Liberia. This support runs from October 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024.636 Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 259 Libya Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On 22 March 2022, Libya imposed a ban on the export of all types of fish effective Export/import restriction immediately. It also announced the plan to create a three-month strategic stock of basic Trade foods.637 Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 260 Lithuania Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies [January 2022] Currently 95,000 Lithuanians can apply for subsidies to cover part of their heating costs, with 14 million euros in budget funds allocated for the purpose Subsidies annually.638 Meanwhile, Lithuanian parliament passed new legislation enabling more people to apply for heating subsidies, to cover around 110,000 people.639 [January 2022] Currently 95,000 Lithuanians can apply for subsidies to cover part of their heating costs, with 14 million euros in budget funds allocated for the purpose annually. Meanwhile, Lithuanian parliament passed new legislation enabling more people to apply for heating subsidies, to cover around 110,000 people.640 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers [April 2022] An increase in social assistance and public pensions as well as child Social Social pensions benefits is foreseen by allocating EUR 75.7 million.641 Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance [April 2022] In order to increase personal income, the Government has planned to Social increase old-age pensions by 5 %, thus allocating EUR 106.3 million. This decision will Pensions Insurance mean an average additional increase in pensions of EUR 24 per month for elderly people with the necessary seniority.642 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Labor Training (vocational, life skills, others) Market Labor market regulations 261 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing [April 1] The non-taxable amount (NTA) is also increased by EUR 80, which, subject to the approval of the Seimas, would make up EUR 540 and for people earning Tax Direct tax minimum monthly wages (MMW), it would mean an additional increase of EUR 16 in income. This decision will increase the NTA by 35 % since the last year. The plan foresees EUR 103 million for this measure.643 Indirect tax 262 Macao SAR, China Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On August 8, 2022. Macau government announced that local taxi drivers who meet certain requirements will receive a one-off fuel and energy subsidy reaching up to MOP12,000 Unconditional cash transfers (US$1,484) starting from September, as part of a string of policies to mitigate the pandemic impact on the local economy. The handout is sentenced to benefit 4,000 taxi drivers and amounts to a total of MOP51 million in subsidies.644 Social Conditional cash transfers Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, On March 11, 2022, A medical voucher worth 600 patacas will be available to Macau's vouchers, others) permanent residents from May, to be used over the next two years.645 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor On May 23, 2022, The Executive Council recently finished discussing the draft of a new Market Wage subsidies executive regulation allowing small and medium enterprises in Macau to receive MOP19,968 in subsidy for each local hire meeting certain conditions.646 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 263 Indirect tax 264 Madagascar Fuel subsidies The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Consumption announced on April 5, 2022, that the Malagasy State has just set ceiling prices for the sale of several necessities and everyday consumables, including gas. The price-fixing decree should be taken on April 6 in the Council of Ministers, for a period of three months, renewable.647, 648, 649 Food subsidies The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Consumption announced on April 5, 2022, that the Subsidies Malagasy State has just set ceiling prices for the sale of several necessities and everyday consumables, including sugar, flour, rice, oil or cement. The price-fixing decree should be taken on April 6 in the Council of Ministers, for a period of three months, renewable.650, 651, 652 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies [July 2022] The Government is planning to trigger a CERC to finance a proposed $100 million in unconditional cash transfers to mitigate the impact of fuel price increases on Unconditional cash transfers poor and vulnerable households. This follows the government's decision on July 11, 2022, to raise the fuel price at the pump by 34 percent on average.653 Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies 265 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 266 Malawi Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Malawi is providing additional financial support for the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project. It includes covering 147,000 beneficiaries under the SCTP for the full duration of the project by December 31, 2025 ($35 million equivalent).654 Malawi is providing additional financial support for Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project. It includes adding shock-responsive cash transfers to 300,000 drought-affected poor households. This scale up will expand the coverage from three to six Unconditional cash transfers drought-prone districts for the next two agricultural seasons.655 Subject to World Bank Board approval of CRW-ERF application, Malawi is planning to provide additional financial support for Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project for shock responsive safety nets. It includes a vertical expansion or cash top-ups for Social existing 300,000 social cash transfer poor beneficiary households. This scale-up is also Assistance conceptualized to expand coverage of emergency cash transfers to non SSN beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas. 656 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Malawi is providing additional financial support for Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project. It includes scaling up the cash for work component or Climate Smart Public works enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) with additional 400,000 beneficiary households, with six months of work per year (US$108 million equivalent). 657 Paid sick leave Social Health insurance Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits 267 Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On April 5, 2022, Malawi removed the 16.5 per cent VAT on cooking oil in a bid to force Indirect tax cooking oil manufacturers lower the prices.658 268 Malaysia Fuel subsidies On May 10, 2022, The Malaysian government will pay RM28 billion in fuel subsidies this year if the price of crude oil continues to remain above US$100 per barrel. While the government stands to gain a larger sum in oil revenue, the fuel subsidies bill this year could be five times higher than the RM5.3 billion allocated under Budget 2022.659, 660 On July 28, 2022. Amidst rising fuel prices, the government has been planning on introducing a targeted fuel subsidy and one of the potential methods seems to be through e-wallets. The government has launched a pilot test using e-wallets at petrol stations for the targeted system.661 Subsidies Food subsidies Malaysia has extended the period of price control of the Keluarga Malaysia Maximum Price Control Scheme. The Scheme took effect on Dec 7, 2021, throughout the country as part of the government’s efforts to stabilize the price of necessities and ensure adequate supply in the market. The items listed under the scheme included live chicken, standard chicken, super chicken, Grade A, B and C eggs, long beans, red chili, tomato, choy sum, imported round cabbage (from Indonesia and China) as well as cucumber. Part of the scheme is the government has imposed a ceiling price of RM8.90 per kg for chickens since Feb 5.662 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On May 24, 2022, Malaysia has offered a subsidy (in the form of direct payment) of RM729.43 million (US$166.27 million) to chicken breeders through the Keluarga Malaysia Maximum Price Control Scheme implemented on February 5, which aimed to alleviate the burden on producers. Breeders will get 60 sen per kilogram (kg). The Unconditional cash transfers Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (MAFI) said it would expedite and simplify the procedures for direct subsidy payments to poultry breeders, as part of the efforts to resolve chicken supply shortage in Malaysia. The government will end providing subsidies to Social chicken breeders from July 1.663 Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works 269 Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations On April 5, 2022, Malaysia announced that it has disbursed 20.92 billion RM (4.72 billion Labor USD) of wage subsidies through its Wage Subsidy Program (PSU) to 357,895 employers. Market Wage subsidies To preserve 2.96 million local jobs, the government has disbursed RM20.63 billion (US$4.9 billion) in wages subsidies.664 Wage increase Malaysia bans poultry export: In the latest food protection move will halt exports of 3.6 Export/import restriction million chickens a month from June 1 and investigate allegations of cartel pricing. Trade Malaysia's ban on chicken exports is expected to end on Aug 31, 2022.665 Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 270 Mali Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On 14 April 2022, Mali plans measures to strengthen livelihoods with the purchase of 4,990 tons of livestock, poultry and fish feed which will be distributed to 2,997,103 people to strengthen their livelihoods through the African Risk Capacity (ARC) project in 2022.666 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On 14 April 2022, Mali's High Council of Agriculture earmarked 54.9 billion FCFA for Subsidies subsidizing cotton production inputs. 4,990 tons of livestock, poultry and fish feed which will be distributed to 2,997,103 people.667 On 14 April, 2022, Mali announced that the producer's share in the price of a 50 kg bag of mineral fertilizer will be set at 12,500 CFA francs, and 25,000 CFA francs for the 50 kg bag of organic fertilizer.668 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Labor market regulations Market Wage subsidies 271 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 272 Malta Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies In view of increasing inflationary pressures, particularly in food items, in February 2022, the Government announced the disbursement of a one-time cash grant to alleviate the effects of inflation. Workers and students received a cash grant worth €100, while Unconditional cash transfers pensioners and individuals on social benefits received €200. This measure also constitutes a fiscal stimulus to the economy to further support the economic recovery, following the increase in the number of positive cases from the Omicron variant during December 2021-January 2022.669 Social Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 273 Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 274 Mauritania Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Mauritania is supporting the scaling up of the government's lean season shock response Unconditional cash transfers of the Social Safety Net System Project II for 38,000 households. The total project cost is $12 million.670 Conditional cash transfers Social Social pensions Assistance Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 275 Mauritius Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On April 29, 2022, Mauritius has taken the decision to inject an additional amount of Rs 150 million to vertically increase the subsidy to retain the prices of seven (7) essential commodities in the face of upward volatilities in the import cost and the need to further restore the purchasing power of consumers and will in effect from April 30, 2022.671 This is basically a price control measure. These products are canned sardines, cheese, edible oil, margarine, canned tomatoes, powdered milk and dried grains. This program has ended on 30 June 2022.672, 673 This measure was initially announced on 10 July 2021 and came into effect from July 12, 2021.674 Subsidies On June 30, 2022, Mauritius decided to impose a maximum profit margin (maximum mark-up) on importers starting from July 1, 2022. It is known as Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods) (Maximum Mark-Up) (Amendment) Regulations 2022. This is applicable for twelve categories of products including milk powder, edible oil, canned fish, canned tomatoes, processed cheese, margarine, pulses, infant food/infant food preparation, pasta, wheat cereals, adult diapers and baby diapers. Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions On 15 April 2022, under the Tea Sector Support Scheme, Mauritius has increased the Social funding voted for financial year 2021-22 from Rs 5 million to some Rs 12 million for the Assistance provision of fertilizers to be distributed to 1,038 registered small tea planters. The Scheme Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, is being operated through a voucher system whereby the registered tea planter will be vouchers, others) provided with a voucher indicating the quantity of fertilizers (s)he is eligible for and which (s)he will have to present to the supplier, as selected by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund, to take possession of the corresponding fertilizers.675 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works 276 Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Pensions Insurance Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax Indirect tax 277 Mexico Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 278 On March 6, 2022, an announcement was made to further reaffirm efforts by Mexico to make sure it is meeting its promise of not allowing the price of gasoline and diesel to rise above the rate of inflation. Mexico already had measures in place of highly discounted taxes on gasoline and diesel (IEPS) to try to reduce the price dating back several years, recently it has further discounted the IEPS tax rate and it has enacted a subsidy to help gas station companies cover up to 100% of the remaining tax and any other additional rise in price so as to maintain level prices. Mexico looks to offset the cost of the subsidy with increased sales in exports of its oil and gas from the state-owned enterprise, Pemex.676,677,678,679,680 Indirect tax [Update] On August 5th, the government announced it would cut the subsidy on premium gasoline only and maintain the same subsidy for all other fuel. This reduction in the subsidy is of 7.7%.681,682 On May 4, 2022, Mexico announced the elimination of import duties on 72 categories related to food products. This will reduce the price for consumers for many basic food products.683 On May 4, 2022, Mexico announced the reduction in the import duty of fertilizer and eliminating the quota on the import of ammonium sulfate, which is an important product in fertilizer.684 279 Moldova Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On July 6, 2022, Moldova announced a compensation program for high energy bills (electricity and heating) for the upcoming winter months aimed at the most vulnerable population. The amount will Subsidies depend on the household’s income and energy consumption data. It will be aimed at the elderly, families with many children, and people with disabilities. It will also go to those in rural areas in the form of support for cutting wood for wood-fires. It is estimated that 99% of the population will receive some form of compensation with 60% of the population eligible for the maximum compensation. Only 1% are not eligible for any compensation as they have been categorized as not energy vulnerable.685 [23 March 2022] To support those at most risk of the energy crisis, a direct cash transfer of 1,000 lei is provided to each individual household selected by the NGO “People in Need Moldova” and distributed in collaboration with the government and Moldovan Post. Unconditional cash transfers The funds come from the EU and will go to 40,000 households. They will be eligible to pick up cash at any post office with a valid ID by March 31 of this year. So far, 32,500 households have already been covered.686 Social Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits 280 Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On 28 February 2022, Moldova imposed a ban on export of wheat, corn and sugar starting from March 1 due to the lack of stocks. On Export/import restriction June 27, 2022, Moldova lifted the ban on the export of wheat and Trade wheat flour from the country. At the same time, the ban on sugar exports remained in force.687 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 281 Montenegro Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 282 On May 5, 2022, Montenegro announced 50% less excise duties for fuels (while also introducing/increasing excise duties for plastic and different tobacco and alcohol types).688,689 Indirect tax May 5, 2022, Montenegro also announced that VAT for essential food products (flour, oil, milk, eggs, sugar) is reduced from 7% to 0% and VAT on salt is reduced from 21% to 7%.690,691,692,693 283 Morocco Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On June 9, 2022, Morocco ordered a 1.75-billion-U.S dollar subsidy increase on food items such as wheat and sugar, along with cooking gas. This is in addition to the 1.8 billion dollars already earmarked in the annual budget. The decree was adopted in an effort to stabilize domestic prices for these products.694 Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On June 9, 2022, Morocco ordered a 1.75-billion-U.S dollar subsidy increase on cooking gas, besides food items. This is in addition to 1.8 billion dollars already earmarked in the annual budget. The decree was adopted in an effort to stabilize domestic prices for these products.695 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 284 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction On March 15, 2022, it was reported that Morocco plans to impose export restriction on its Europe-bound round tomatoes to ease a pre- Ramadan surge in local prices for a key component of the nation’s Trade cuisine and fast-breaking meals. Each year, Morocco’s sends some Export/import easing 430,000 tons of tomatoes to Europe, making it the region's largest outside supplier. The export curbs would halve the local price for tomatoes to less than 5 dirhams (US$0.51) per kilo.696 Direct tax On June 2, 2022, Morocco exempted customs duties on sunflower, Tax soybean, and rapeseed. This measure will take effect starting June 3, Indirect tax 2022 and continue until further notice. This decision is intended to protect citizens’ purchasing power in the face of rising global prices of various essential goods.697 285 Mozambique Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 286 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On August 9, 2022, Mozambique reduced VAT from 17 percent to 16 Tax percent.698 Indirect tax On August 9, 2022, VAT exemption on imports for agriculture and electrification to boost renewable energy.699 287 Namibia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 288 On May 27, 2022, Namibian imposed requirement of a special import permit for a list of horticulture products from 1 to 30 June 2022. The Export/import restriction following beetroot, butternut, cabbage, English cucumber, colored Trade pepper, green pepper, onion, pumpkin, sweet potato, and round and jam tomatoes.700 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 289 Netherlands Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On March 21, 2022, Netherlands made €150 million available to support vulnerable households with a high energy bill and/or poorly insulated homes through insulation-improving measures. The system will be managed at the municipality level.701 [11 March 2022] The government set aside 200-euro payments for the poorest households in the country to help them continue to pay their energy bills.702,703 On 21 March, the government agreed to raise the one-off energy allowance (energietoeslag) for people on incomes around the level of social assistance to €800 (previously €200). This additional package will cost a total of €2.8 billion. The government will fund the package Unconditional cash transfers in part from extra gas revenue and will also use the remaining funds from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.704 [June 2022] The government plans for a one-off payment, dubbed the Social Assistance autumn allowance, of 500 euros for members of the population who already receive a healthcare allowance (i.e., individuals who earn a maximum of around 32.000 euros a year). This payment would come on top of the energy allowance some households are eligible to receive.705 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Social Insurance Paid sick leave 290 Health insurance [May 2022] Statutory pension would be raised by a cumulative 7.5% Pensions in 2023-24.706 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies [May 1] Stepwise increase in the minimum wage (by a cumulative Wage increase 7.5% in 2025).707 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax March 3, 2022, Netherlands lowered the rate of value-added tax (VAT) on energy from 21% to 9% and cut the excise duty on petrol Tax and diesel by 21% from 1 April 2022 until the end of the year. Taxes Indirect tax on petrol and diesel were also reduced by 21 percent. The reduced energy tax will cost €2.7 billion for the compensation of households.708,709 291 New Zealand Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On March 14, 2022, New Zealand announced that the country would cut public transport fares by 50% amid a suite of other changes to try to ease sharp increases in the cost of living.710,711 On May 19, 2022, New Zealand Government announced that it will hand out an extra few hundred dollars to more than two million lower- income adults to help them navigate what it describes as “the peak of the global inflation storm”. The payments are part of a package of new Unconditional cash transfers measures announced in the government’s annual budget. The inflation payments of 350 New Zealand dollars ($220) over three months begin in August and are targeted at the half of all adults who earn less than 70,000 New Zealand dollars ($44,000) per year.712 Social Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 292 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 293 Nicaragua Fuel subsidies On April 16th, the government announced that it would cover all future increases in the price of gasoline and diesel until next April (2023).713 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Market Labor market regulations Wage subsidies 294 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 295 Niger Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies Niger Adaptive Safety Net Project 2 will support 117,000 households in 2022 through a designated drought response pilot program ($5m), quarterly cash transfers ($58.5m) and cash for work ($3.5m). The Unconditional cash transfers drought response pilot program has used satellite data to trigger an early response with monthly cash transfers over a 12-month period since March 2022.714 Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Part of the Niger Adaptive Safety Net Project 2 new 117,000 Public works households will be supported through cash for work ($3.5m).715 Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 296 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On March 19, 2022, Niger decided to lower the customs tax of around Tax 3.5% on millet, 35% on flour and 17% on sugar. This measure is Indirect tax estimated to cost 7 billion CFA Francs.716,717 297 Nigeria Fuel subsidies On April 16, 2022, the Nigeria's senate approved N4 trillion for petrol subsidy in 2022, this indicates an increase from the previous year where the total petrol subsidy in 2021 was N1.573 trillion. This increase is due to the rising price of crude oil and the depreciation of the local currency (Naira). Nigeria plans to tap 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) from its Eurobond sale last year to help fund its petrol subsidies as oil prices rise. In doing so, the federal government has extended the subsidy that was due to expire in June 2022 by 18 Subsidies months.718,719,720 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 16 December 2021, with the objective to mitigate the short-term impact of the recent economic shocks on the poor and vulnerable population in both urban and ruralareas, Nigeria and the World Bank agreed to design a follow up National Social Safety Net Program- Scale Up (NASSP-SU) Project, through IDA financing of US$ 800 million. The Project Development Objective is to “Expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support among the poor and vulnerable Unconditional cash transfers and strengthen the national safety net delivery system.” NASSP-SU Social Assistance targets 10.2 million HHs (close to 50 million individuals) and will be implemented nationwide. The project was approved by the World Bank board of directors on December 16, 2021, and by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2022. However, the project is yet to become effective, although the necessary technical preparatory activities are in progress.721 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions 298 Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 299 North Macedonia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies [July 2022] North Macedonia announced an energy bill discount for those on low incomes over a twelve-month period. 6,500 low-income households received the energy bill discount. An energy bill discount of 600 MKD (€10) is provided to eligible applicants from households Subsidies with up to three members, while an energy bill discount of 800 MKD (€13) is provided to eligible applicants from households with four or more members. This is provided as a monthly discount for 12 consecutive months. Approximately 6,500 households applied for the energy bill discount, thus not exceeding the expected number of applicants (7,000) or the earmarked budget for this measure - 60,000,000 MKD (€9,719,938).722,723 [10 March 2022] Support included a top-up benefit of 1,000 MKD (€16) for guaranteed minimum assistance (GMA) beneficiaries Unconditional cash transfers between March and May. 35,000 households received the GMA. The cost of this measure is estimated at 105,000,000 MKD (€1,702,255).724,725 Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions [March 2022] Pensioners and about 35,000 of the most vulnerable Unconditional in-kind transfers citizens will receive vouchers of 1,000 denars ($17.9/16.2 euro) per (food, vouchers, others) month for a period of three months to purchase basic food products.726 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance [July 2022] Supplementary Budget also envisages funds for increase Pensions of pensions in line with the new pension calculation methodology, 300 according to which the pension indexation is carried out as per the CPI trends.727 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Wage subsidies Higher transfers to municipalities are also projected, above all as a Labor Market result of the increased block grants pertaining to the increased wages by 15% for the staff in kindergartens and primary and secondary Wage increase schools.728 Increase in the average wage paid to all employees.729 On 11 March 2022, the government of North Macedonia introduced a temporary export ban on several agricultural products in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The temporary ban is in force from 11 March until 20 March 2022. More specifically, the following products are affected by this export ban: wheat, barley, corn, wheat Export/import restriction flour, sunflower seeds, and sunflower seed oils. On 18 March 2022, Trade North Macedonia extended the temporary export ban for the mentioned products until 15 April 2022. In May 2022, the government of North Macedonia eliminated the export ban on sunflower oil (please see related state act). In July, the government still continues the export ban on wheat, barley, corn, wheat flour until December 2021.730,731 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On March 10, 2022, North Macedonia announced that the VAT on Indirect tax fuels will be lowered to 10% from 18%. This is expected to cost EUR 400 million.732 301 On March 10, 2022, North Macedonia will remove VAT and freeze margins on sales of bread, sugar, flour, edible sunflower oil, milk, meat, rice and eggs.733 On March 10, 2022, North Macedonia will also remove customs duties on all imports of basic food products.734 On March 10, 2022, North Macedonia will scrap VAT on imported natural gas, electricity, thermal and cooling energy.735 On March 10, 2022, in North Macedonia the application of the preferential tax rate of 5% for the supply of electricity to households will be prolonged. This measure will mitigate the impact of the rising electricity prices on the world stock markets and protect the living standards of citizens. The preferential tax rate will be valid until December 2022.736 302 Norway Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On March 10, 2022, the Norwegian government announced that it is proposing an extension of the financial support in the form of subsidy it provided in December 2021 to help households cope with unusually high electricity prices. The amendment to the budget allowed for increased support to households in response to high electricity costs. Subsidies The financial support for energy costs runs through March 31, 2022, with the law automatically expiring on July 1, 2022. The new government proposal would extend the legislation until March 31, 2023. The current law requires the state to compensate households for 55% of electricity costs that exceed the market price of NOK0.07 per kWh, excluding monthly VAT, with the basis for the compensation being the mean market price and not the actual price paid by the consumer. In addition, electricity companies must, monthly, send to the Norwegian Energy Regulatory Authority an overview of the sum paid as support to customers.737 On June 23, 2022, Norwegian parliament has decided to maintain the increase in housing allowance throughout 2022. As a result, more people will receive housing allowance and many people will receive more housing allowance during periods of high electricity consumption. Throughout 2022, the income ceiling will be higher, and the personal contribution will be lower.738,739,740 Extra electricity allowance: people who were granted housing Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers allowance in the period January - May, received in addition to housing allowance a fixed amount in support of electricity expenses. In the period June - September, no extra support will be paid for electricity. If you are granted housing allowance in October, you will receive NOK 1,000 in extra support. In November and December, the support is NOK 1,500. You also get 150 kroner for each extra person you live with during the months with extra electricity support. The amount is independent of your actual expenses for electricity.741 303 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 304 Oman Fuel subsidies On November 9, 2022, Oman decided to cap fuel prices in line with the rates of October 2021. The government will bear the differences resulting from any increase in oil prices until the end of 2022. By the end of the first half of 2022, government subsidy amounted to OMR 314 million allocated for oil products subsidy (i.e, fuel prices were fixed since November 2021)742,743 Food subsidies In light of the current global geopolitical situations, which led to a rise in oil prices and price of basic food commodities, Oman revised the subsidies to mitigate the implications. By the end of the first half of 2022, OMR 11 million is allocated for basic food subsidy.744 Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On 31 May 2022, Oman's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has announced availability of wheat kernel for the 2022/2023 season at a subsidized rate, in its efforts to support farmers and to achieve self-sufficiency in food. The ministry will provide one tonne of wheat seeds for RO300 for the new season to farmers.745 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance 305 Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On March 13, 2022, Oman has issued a decision No 89/2022 to add Indirect tax more food commodities to the list of food items which are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) at zero rate. The items include barley, corn, flour, beans and some animal feed.746 306 Pakistan Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On 7 March 2022, Pakistan launched a food subsidy program, Ehsaas Riyayat Ration Scheme, to provide a monthly subsidy of 30 percent on daily use commodities to 20 million households. Under the targeted subsidy for the middle and lower middle class, the prices of flour and cooking oil among others will be considerably reduced.747 On April 20, 2022, Pakistan’s Punjab government has announced to reduce by Rs100 the price of a 10kg flour bag, making the cost fall from Rs 550 to Rs 450, dubbing it a big relief for the people hit hard by rampant inflation. The government implemented a uniform system Subsidies till Eid.748 On May 28, 2022, Utility Stores Corporation in Pakistan has been ordered by the government to provide 10 kilograms of flour bags at a subsidized rate of 400 PKR throughout the country.749 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On May 28, 2022, Pakistan has announced a new relief package worth 28 billion PKR ($140 million) per month to mitigate the impact of the rise in prices of petroleum products on the lower-income people of the Unconditional cash transfers country. The relief package will provide around 14 million deserving families with immediate assistance of 2,000 PKR per month. The package will provide financial assistance to almost 85 million people Social Assistance which is nearly one-third of the total population of Pakistan.750 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) 307 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market On 9 May 2022, Pakistan imposed a complete ban on the export of Wage subsidies sugar, owing to the commodity's domestic demand.751 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade On July 26, 2022, The Pakistani government is set to begin removing Export/import easing restrictions on the import of “non-essential and luxury items”.752 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 308 Panama Fuel subsidies On July 18th, the government officially put a price freeze on fuel (gasoline, diesel). The price for a gallon of regular gasoline will be held at USD$ 3.25. This is expected to cost USD$ 200 million.753 Food subsidies On July 25th, it was reported that the government reached an agreement to control the price of basic food items, some 72 products. This will be reflected in up to a 30% decrease in the actual cost of Subsidies many necessity food items.754 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 309 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 310 Paraguay Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance On July 6th, the government announced a series of new measures to help ease the burden of rising prices. One of which aims to increase the budget and the number of beneficiaries for the program aimed at Social Insurance Pensions assisting elderly people (Personas Adultas Mayores). The program seeks to add 15,000 beneficiaries with an added budget of G25 billion.755 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 311 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 312 Peru Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On December 15, 2021, Peru announced an additional subsidy (on top of existing subsidies) directed at low-income households that will reduce energy and electricity bills by 15%, using the taxes paid by the upper and middle classes.756 On August 15th, a one-off cash transfer was made available to provide additional funds to beneficiaries of three different social programs. This is the second time that the one-off is being provided, the first being at the end of April. One of the social programs is the “Juntos” program whose beneficiaries will receive a S/200 one-off. This will reach 643,157 households.757 On August 15th, a one-off cash transfer was made available to provide additional funds to beneficiaries of three different social programs. This is the second time that the one-off is being provided, the first Unconditional cash transfers being at the end of April. One of which is the the “Pensión 65” program whose beneficiaries will recieve a S/250 one-off. This cash Social Assistance transfer will reach 577,043 individuals.758 On August 15th, a one-off cash transfer was made available to provide additional funds to beneficiaries of three different social programs. This is the second time that one-off has been provided, the first being at the end of April. One of which is the persons with disabilities program “Contigo”. A S/300 one-off will be given to individuals in this program. This will reach 77,063 individuals.759 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) 313 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On April 4, 2022, Peru announced it would exempt fuel from being charged a tax in order to try to reduce prices of gasoline. This is set to last until June 30, with the possibility to extend until December.760 On April 4, 2022, Peru announced it would exempt fuel from being charged a tax in order to try to reduce prices of gasoline. This is set to Tax last until June 30, with the possibility to extend until December. Indirect tax [Update] The government decided not to extend the measure, it has now ended.761 On April 8, 2022, it was reported that Peru had approved the exoneration of the general sales tax (IGV -- Peru's VAT) for a basic basket of food products. This measure began on May 1, 2022 and is set to end on December 31, 2022. 314 [Update] The government decided not to extend the measure, it has now ended.762, 763 315 Philippines Fuel subsidies On March 16, 2022, A total of P569 million in fuel subsidy has been distributed by the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines to cushion the impact of oil prices hikes on public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.764,765 On March 17, 2022, Philippines has doubled to 5 billion pesos ($95.88 million) on fuel subsidy program for public transport. On July 5, 2022, the government announced that his administration will continue providing fuel subsidies for the public transport sector to help soften the blow of rising oil prices.766 On August 26, 2022, to help them cope with high petroleum prices next year, public transport drivers, corn farmers and fisherfolk are expected to receive another P3.5 billion in direct fuel subsidies under the 2023 national budget, a member of the House Committee on Subsidies Appropriations said on Thursday.767 On July 17, 2022 The Department of Agriculture (DA) provided some P121,000 million worth of fuel subsidies to Nueva Ecija farmers in a bid to cushion the effects of rising fuel prices on the corn and fisheries sector. A total of 404 corn farmers from the province of Nueva Ecija received P3,000 worth of fuel discount cards on July 13, 2020.768 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On March 16, 2022, the Government of Philippines announced the TCT Program which aims to support around 12.4 million vulnerable households belonging to the bottom fifty percent (50%) of Filipino Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers households, amid the rising prices of fuel and goods. The program shall provide cash grants amounting to PHP500 for six months from April to September 2022.769 316 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions On March 17, 2022, The government is rolling out targeted subsidies amounting to 6.1 billion pesos for the transport and agriculture sectors. This consists of 5 billion pesos worth of fuel vouchers to qualified public utility vehicle drivers and operators who will receive a 6,500- Unconditional in-kind transfers peso fuel subsidy under the Pantawid Pasada program. Manila has also (food, vouchers, others) recommended additional fuel vouchers for farm producers by increasing the budget to 1.1 billion pesos from 500 million, so as to cut input costs. [6 July 2022] The government will continue distributing fuel subsidies to affected populations such as drivers, fisherfolk and farmers.770,771,772 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 317 318 Poland Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies The “Anti-Putin” Shield, amongst other measures, envisions the support from the state budget to cover farmers who are in danger of losing financial liquidity. The aid will concern fertilizers that agricultural producers bought between September 1, 2021, and May 15, 2022. The subsidy will cover up to 50 hectares of land and will amount to PLN 500 per hectare of agricultural land and 250 PLN per hectare of meadows, pastures and grassland on arable land. Aid for farmers has been designed so that on the basis of invoices for purchases of fertilizers, compensation can be paid. It will be a compensation of around PLN 1,500 to one ton of fertilizer.773 [May 30] So far, the application has been submitted by about 370,000 farmers.774,775 Fees subsidies On July 14, 2022. Poland announced that the credit holidays will allow Subsidies for the postponement of the repayment of a mortgage loan granted in Polish currency for a total of 8 months. Credit holidays will come into force within 14 days from the date of its announcement. Therefore, applications can be submitted to banks on July 29, 2022. About 2 million people are entitled to credit holidays and as of August, over 500,000 families have already taken advantage of the government loan holidays.776,777 May 27, 2022, Poland announced to co-finance the "My Electricity" program for the years 2021-2023 from the React EU program. Over PLN 870 million will be allocated to co-finance photovoltaic panels. Beneficiaries can receive a subsidy of up to PLN 20.5 thousand. If individuals invest in several elements at once, the subsidy for panels will increase to 5,000. The co-financing for the remaining integrated devices is to be as follows: heat storage (up to PLN 5,000), energy storage (up to PLN 7,500), energy management system (up to PLN 3,000).778,779 [March 2022] As part of the Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0, the government extends until 2027 the protection against uncontrolled increase in gas Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers prices to benefit about 7 million households. The electricity allowance to help households struggling with energy bills is determined based on 319 the number of people in the household, income and whether or not it had coal heating. The first instalment is paid out at the end of March 2022, while the second will be sent out in December 2022: people who live alone will receive a maximum of PLN 400 per year; households with 2 or 3 people will receive a maximum of PLN 600 per year; farms with 4 or 5 people will receive a maximum of PLN 850 per year; households with 6 or more people will receive a maximum of PLN 1150 per year. More money will be given to people who heat their premises with coal. The cover allowance in their case will be: 1 person in the household - maximum PLN 500 per year; 2-3 people in the household - maximum PLN 750 per year; 4-5 people in the household - maximum PLN 1062.50 per year; 6 or more people in the household - maximum PLN 1,437.50 per year.780,781,782,783 [August 2022] The carbon allowance is a special, one-time benefit in the amount of PLN 3,000 granted on the basis of the provisions of the Act of August 5, 2022. According to them, support is granted to households whose main source of heating is, among others, solid fuel Conditional cash transfers boiler, fireplace or tiled stove, powered by coal, briquette or pellets containing 85% hard coal. The allowance is independent of the income earned by family members, and the basic condition for obtaining it is that the said source of heating is entered or reported to the Central Emission Register of Buildings (CEEB).784 [March 2022] The government announced the payment of the 13th pension in April 2022. The funds allocated to the thirteenth retirement pension for all those entitled are to counteract inflation indirectly. ZUS will pay it to nearly 10 million old-age and disabled pensioners. In 2022, it will be paid in 6 terms along with the April pensions. The amount of the benefit will be PLN 1,338.44 (gross) and will be PLN 87.56 higher than in the previous year. No income tax will be charged Social pensions on the amount of the 13th pension, but only a health insurance fee of PLN 120.46.785, 786 [June 2022] The 14th pension will be disbursed under the same principles as the 13th pension, covering however a limit of the eligible persons i.e., to the beneficiaries who receive the pension in the amount not exceeding PLN 2,900 gross. In the case of persons who receive the 320 benefit in the amount exceeding PLN 2,900, the “zloty for zloty” principle will apply, meaning that the so-called 14th pension will be decreased by the amount exceeding over PLN 2,900. The fourteenth pension will go to about 9 million persons – about 7.7 million old age and disability pensioners will receive their payment in full, and about 1.3 million – in the reduced amount. In 2022, the cost is about PLN 11.4 billion.787, 788 [March 2022] Some five million families in Poland - which have Unconditional in-kind transfers welcomed in at least 1.8 million fleeing Ukrainians - are also to (food, vouchers, others) receive a package of aid to help them cope with rising food prices.789 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Poland’s Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0 is a bundle of measures that will Tax lower or temporarily remove VAT on food, petrol, electricity, or Indirect tax fertilizers starting from February until 31 July 2022. The reduced VAT rate on electricity will also apply for several more months. After lowering VAT as part of the first Shield, the time has come for further beneficial solutions such as: 321 - reduction of VAT on fuel from 23% to 8%, - reduction of VAT on natural gas from 8% to 0%, - reduction of VAT on basic foodstuffs to 0%, - reduced 5% VAT rate on electricity to remain in effect for longer, - reduction of VAT on system heat to 5%, - reduction of VAT on natural gas from 8% to 0%. The first Anti-Inflation Shield introduced in December 2021 included amongst its solutions: - inflation allowance for households, - waiver of excise duty on electricity, - reducing VAT on electricity from 23% to 5%, - reduction of VAT on natural gas from 23% to 8%, - lowering fuel prices by reducing excise duty as far as possible, - reduction of VAT on system heat (provided by district heating networks) from 23% to 8%. Together with the first Anti-inflation Shield, these government measures will bring Poles savings totaling nearly PLN 25 billion. [June 2022] The Lower House of the Polish Parliament on 9 June 2022 passed legislation extending the application of anti-inflation measures (referred to as the Anti-Inflation Shield) to 31 October 2022 (from 31 July 2022).790, 791, 792 322 Portugal Fuel subsidies Portugal has been approved for a price cap on energy prices derived from natural gas and coal by the EU. These will initially be set at 40 euros per megawatt hour and can eventually be raised to 50 euros over the next 12 months. [Update] On June 8 the European Commission approved a €2.1 billion subsidy for Portugal to lower wholesale electricity prices until the end of May 2023. During the first six months of the application of the measure, a price cap will be set on gas at €40/MWh. As of the seventh month, the gas price cap will increase by €5 per month, resulting in a price cap of €70/MWh in the twelfth month. The measure will be financed by: (i) part of the so-called ‘congestion income' (i.e., the income obtained by the Spanish Transmission System Operator as result of cross-border electricity trade between France and Spain), and (ii) a charge imposed by Spain and Portugal on buyers benefitting from the measure. The support will take the form of a payment that operates as a direct grant to electricity Subsidies producers aimed at financing part of their fuel cost.793, 794 At the start of April 2022, the government introduced a new subsidy for the purchase of gas bottles of €10/month per bottle. The subsidy will last until the end of June and will be applied to the beneficiaries of the social tariff, an estimated 762,320 people. The funds will come from the Environmental Fund up to a maximum “ceiling” of €4 million.795 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On February 1, 2022, economically vulnerable consumers in Portugal are entitled to a discount by means of a social tariff for both the supply of electricity and natural gas (before the crisis). The discount of 33.8% applies to everyone, regardless of whether they are in the regulated or liberalized market.796 On 22 June, the Ministry of Labour announced a 60-euro family check to all households benefitting from the social energy tariff (to be paid in Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers July, while other low-income households will get it in August). The budget cost is 64 million.797 323 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions In March 2022, the government increased the value of the Autovaucher (obtained by paying at a fuel pump with a card) from €5 to €20 per beneficiary. "AUTO voucher" was introduced in November last year to reimburse fuel consumption at petrol stations. Financial Unconditional in-kind transfers support is provided by payment of 10 cents per liter up to a maximum (food, vouchers, others) of 50 liters per month. 50 liters would be approximately a tank of petrol per user per month. Each month 5 euros is paid directly to the bank account of the user. The program, as of march, has 2.4 million subscriptions.798 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On 15 Oct 2021, the Portuguese national regulatory authority Indirect tax announced its proposal for electricity tariffs for 2022, in which it incorporates the measures announced by the government, following 324 which it is worth noting that network tariffs will decrease more than 50% for households and 94% for industrials. It also announced that the regulated tariff for household consumers will decrease 3,4%, or 0,2% if compared with the 2021 average tariff.799 In early March 2022, the Portugal decided to extend (until 30 June) a reimbursement mechanism for the VAT revenues along those from ISP (a tax on derivates of petrol, which was lowered by two cents per liter of petrol and by one cent per liter of diesel and was in place since October, 2021) resulting in an additional tax discount of 14.2 cents per liter on diesel and 15.5 cents per liter on petrol, as well as suspending an increase in the carbon tax.800,801 On February 13, 2022, vulnerable individuals in Portugal are also exempt from two of the three additional fees and taxes applied to electricity bills: the “special consumption tax” (IEC) and (partially) from the audiovisual (CAV) or ‘Netflix’ tax.802 325 Qatar Fuel subsidies Food subsidies In February 2022, Qatar stabilized prices of essential items through Subsidies price control mechanism to regulate the prices.803 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 326 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 327 Réunion (France) Fuel subsidies Reunion has set up an exceptional discount of 15 centimes per liter is set up from April 1, 2022. This aid has a duration of 4 months. It limits the increase to 3 cents per liter for unleaded and 5 cents per liter for diesel.804 Food subsidies The prices of 153 products are blocked for one year in Reunion. A Subsidies basket of 153 products cannot exceed an overall price of 348 euros until February 28, 2023. There are a majority of food products, from local production or imported, but also nappies and potties for babies, but also hygiene and cleaning products.805 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Market Labor market regulations Wage subsidies 328 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 329 Romania Fuel subsidies On May 26, 2022, Romania has proposed a 300 million lei ($63.7 million/60.6 million euro) fuel subsidy scheme to support some 3,000 transportation companies affected by the steep rise in fuel prices. The value of the aid granted is 0.5 lei per liter of motor fuel, but not more than the lei equivalent of 400,000 euro ($420,324) per enterprise.806 On June 24, 2022, the Romanian government announced that it will pay car fuel distribution companies a fixed subsidy of RON 0.5 per liter of petrol and diesel, under a three-month scheme aimed at mitigating the high fuel prices. Consequently, the end-user price will decrease by 0.5 RON per liter (some 5.5% for current prices).The scheme is expected to cost some RON 2 bln (EUR 400 mln), out of which the Government will cover half, leaving the other half in limbo.807 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 7 September 2021, the Romanian Parliament passed a law to shield Subsidies vulnerable consumers from the energy price increases from 1 November 2021, with subsidies to be used for home-heating assistance, energy consumption, energy-efficient house equipment and the purchase of products and services improving the energy performance of buildings or connection to the energy network.808 On 4 October 2021, Romania's Minister of Energy announced compensation for gas bills. The measures are expected to last from 1 November 2021 to 31 March 2022 and affect approximately 6 million families or 85% of the Romanian population (this also includes compensation on electricity bills).809 On 4 October 2021, the Romania's Ministry of Energy announced compensation for electricity bills. The measures are expected to last from 1 November 2021 to 31 March 2022 and affect approximately 6 million families or 85% of the Romanian population (this also includes compensation on fuel bills).810 330 On March 24, 2022, The Capital City Hall in Bucharest (Romania) will come with a subsidy of approximately 650 lei, to cover the total cost of the heating prices, which amounts to 980 lei per month. General councilors PNL and USR PLUS have reached an agreement on the price of a gigacalorie in the capital, the people of Bucharest will pay the remaining 330 lei, compared to the 164 lei they currently pay.811 On 20 March 2022, the Romanian government imposed a one-year ceiling on electricity and natural gas prices. The measure will apply from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, after a similar scheme that was in force since November. Household customers who do not consume more than 100 kW per month will pay 14 cents per kilowatt, and if their consumption exceeds 300 KW, then they will be charged a maximum of 16 cents per kilowatt. Industrial customers will pay up to 20 cents per kilowatt. As for natural gas, its price for domestic consumers will be a maximum of 6 cents, and for industrial customers no more than 7 cents per kilowatt.812, 813 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions On April 11, 2022, 4.7 million pensioners and other low-income Social Assistance families will receive vouchers for basic food products worth 50 euros Unconditional in-kind transfers every two months. The vouchers will be distributed bi-monthly until (food, vouchers, others) January 2023. The Ministry of Labor announced on 2 June 2022 that the electronic meal vouchers are on their way to 2.5 million Romanians.814, 815 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance Pensions 331 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Wage subsidies Labor Market On April 12, 2022, The minimum statutory wage will increase by RON200 per month.816 Wage increase On April 12, 2022, A minimum statutory wage of RON3,000 will be introduced for workers in the agriculture sector.817 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On 11 January 2022, the government announced a new protection Indirect tax scheme for household consumers with a monthly consumption of up to 300 kWh, including a VAT reduction to 5%.818 332 Rwanda Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On 30 June 2022, to support the crop intensification program (CIP), Rwanda allocated funds amounting to Rwf36 billion to help farmers get relatively affordable fertilisers and seeds in the 2022-23 fiscal year. Subsidies For instance, for NPK, the government provides Rwf475 a kilogramme in financial support to the farmer after the fertiliser price hike. As such, a farmer only pays Rwf882 per a kilogramme of NPK instead of Rwf1,357.819 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Market Labor market regulations Wage subsidies 333 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 334 Saudi Arabia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 4 July 2022, Saudi Arabia has allocated a total of 20 billion riyals ($5.33 billion) to dampen the effects of rising prices on citizens. Of Unconditional cash transfers which, 10.4bn riyals to be distributed as direct cash transfers to support social security beneficiaries, the Citizen Account Program and the Small Livestock Breeders' Support Program.820 Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 335 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 336 Senegal Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On July 8, 2022, African Development Bank (AfDB) Group approved a €121 million loan to Senegal for implementation of an emergency agricultural program that will benefit 850,000 small farmers, 35% of whom are women. Under the first component, the program will help provide 7000 tonnes of cereal seeds, 3000 tonnes of cowpea seeds and Subsidies 15,000 tonnes of seed potatoes to farmers. In addition, a partnership agreement between the Senegalese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Equipment and the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research will facilitate a supply of pre-basic seeds.821 Fees subsidies On April 28, 2022, Senegalese government announced that it will continue to freeze the prices of hydrocarbons and electricity. In this context between January and April, the State released an envelope of 100 billion CFA francs (160 million USD).822 Senegal announced on May 10, 2022, an exceptional cash transfer operation in response to the joint effects of COVID-19 and the food and fuel price crisis. The program is supported by World Bank financing of US$80 million. Between May and July, the entire social Unconditional cash transfers registry (550,000 households across the nation, or the poorest third of the country) will receive a one-off digital transfer of 80,000 CFA (~$130). This cash transfer will help poor and vulnerable households with their daily needs in a context of prolonged impacts of the Social Assistance COVID-19 crisis and high inflation on energy.823, 824, 825, 826 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Social Insurance Paid sick leave 337 Health insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 338 Serbia Fuel subsidies On February 12, 2022, Serbia set a price ceiling for Euro diesel and Euro premium BMB 95 at 179 dinars ($1.68/1.53 euro) and 171 dinars per liter, respectively. On April 29, Serbia announced that cap on petrol and diesel retail prices will remain in place until the end of Subsidies May.827, 828, 829 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 339 On March 10, 2022, the Serbian government introduced a temporary Export/import restriction ban on the export of wheat, maize, wheat flour, groats and sunflower Trade oil.830 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax On March 10, 2022, Serbia reduced the excise duty levied on petrol Indirect tax and diesel purchases by 20%. On April 28, 2022, Serbia further reduced the excise duty levied on petrol and diesel purchases by 15% from the levels before March 10, 2022.831, 832 340 Sierra Leone Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On July 26, 2022, African Development Bank Group approved a grant of $2 million to boost food production in Sierra Leone. The program falls under the African Development Bank Group’s $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility, a response to the global food crisis that resulted from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has Subsidies deepened existing food insecurity in Sierra Leone. The program will focus on the production, harvesting and marketing of rice. The Ministry of Agriculture will provide smart subsidies to 67,000 smallholder farmers to reduce the cost of certified rice seeds and fertilizers. The project will be rolled out through the established e- wallet input distribution system over two cropping seasons, beginning in 2022.833 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver 341 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 342 Singapore Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On June 21, 2022, Singapore announced that it is committing S$1.5 Subsidies billion to provide fuel subsides which will be provided as inflation relief. As part of the support packages, one-off S$100 Household Utilities Credit for every Singaporean household to defray utility bills. About 1.2 million Singaporean households will receive household utilities credit by September.834, 835 On June 21, 2022, Singapore announced that it is committing S$1.5 billion to provide fuel subsides which will be provided as inflation relief. As part of the package, one-off relief of S$150 for eligible taxi main hirers, private hire drivers will be paid in August to cover the fuel cost. Private hire car drivers need to have completed an average of 200 trips per month from Mar 1 to May 31, 2022 to qualify for the measure.836, 837 Unconditional cash transfers On 21 June 2022, Singapore announced that it is committing S$1.5 billion to provide fuel subsides which will be provided as inflation relief. As part of the measure, GSTV – Cash recipients will receive a Social Assistance GSTV – Cash Special Payment of up to $300, on top of the regular GSTV – Cash in 2022. About 1.5 million Singaporeans will be recipient of such a measure.838, 839 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance 343 Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) On June 21, 2022, Singapore announced that it is committing S$1.5 billion to provide fuel subsides which will be provided as inflation relief. As part of the support package, Malaysia's export ban on live Labor market regulations chicken has cut off the livelihoods of chicken slaughterhouses, they will receive one month of foreign worker levy waiver. As most of the chicken slaughterhouses have had to put their employees on leave, given that the main activity there is to slaughter live chickens.840 Labor Market Wage subsidies On June 21, 2022, Singapore announced that it is committing S$1.5 billion to provide fuel subsides which will be provided as inflation relief. As part of the support package, government will increase its co- funding share of wage increases for local lower-wage workers under Wage increase the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme. The Government’s co-funding share of eligible wage increases in 2022 will go up from 50 per cent to 75 per cent for resident employees with gross monthly wages up to S$2,500. For wages above S$2,500 and up to S$3,000, the co-funding will be raised from 30 per cent to 45 per cent.841 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On February 18, 2022, Singapore announced that it delay the planned Tax Goods and Services Tax (GST; i.e, VAT) hike to 2023 and stagger the Indirect tax increase in two steps. The first increase from 7 per cent to 8 per cent will take place on Jan 1, 2023, and the second increase from 8 per cent to 9 per cent will take place on Jan 1, 2024.842 344 Slovak Republic Fuel subsidies The Slovakian government reached a deal with Slovenské elektrárny, the company running the two power plants in the country, which agreed to sell 6.15 TWh for selected customer groups at a price of €61.2/MWh for 2023 and 2024. The total value of the aid will be around EUR 850 million. The Ministry of Economy projects the Subsidies average savings per household will reach EUR 500 because of the agreement.843, 844, 845 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor Market Labor market regulations Wage subsidies 345 Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 346 Slovenia Fuel subsidies The Slovenian government set the maximum retail price of gasoline. The maximum price of 95-octane gasoline was set at 1.503 euros (about 1.6491 U.S. dollars) per liter and that of diesel at 1.541 euros (about 1.6908 U.S. dollars) per liter. The set prices will be valid for 30 days. On April 1, price control on fuel price were extended, and set at wholesale price (which is lower than the previously set price). The wholesale prices were frozen at €1.483 per liter of petrol and €1.521 per liter of diesel, wholesalers will have a two-cent profit margin. On May 10, the government reintroduced a price cap on motor fuels after Subsidies eliminating it at the end of April. Slovenia set the maximum retail prices at 1.560 euro per liter for regular petrol and 1.668 a liter for diesel. The measure will be in force until August 10.846, 847, 848 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies July 14, 2022, Slovenia announced that electricity prices for households and small and medium-sized companies will be capped from 1 September 2022 to August 2023. It is expected that, depending on the provider, households will pay between 15% and 60% less for electricity than now.849 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social pensions [29 January 2022] The National Assembly approved assistance to Social Assistance people in the form of an energy voucher, which will be received by around 710,000 beneficiaries, including families receiving child Unconditional in-kind transfers allowance and large families. Beneficiaries receive a voucher worth (food, vouchers, others) €150. Individuals who are entitled to a large family allowance for four or more children for 2021, in addition to the allowance of 150 euros, are also entitled to an additional allowance of 50 euros, so they receive a total of 200 euros energy voucher.850, 851, 852 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) 347 Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On Jan 29, 2022, Slovenia announced the exemption from paying the network fee for three months, from 1 February to 30 April. Paired with reduction of excise duties on electricity at the lowest possible level, Tax and reduction of excise duties on motor fuels and heating oil from 1 Indirect tax February to 31 July 2022. The government expects the amount on payment of slips to be reduced by 30-35 percent, as this exemption. [July 2022] The excise fee on electricity will remain at 50% of the headline level, whereas the contribution for renewable sources will be cut in half.853, 854 348 Somalia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On June 22, 2022, the World Bank approved the Second Additional Financing of SDR 106.40 million (US$ 143 million; 2.1% of its GDP) to Somalia’s Shock Responsive Safety Net for Human Capital Project to support the vertical and horizontal expansion of the Baxnaano program. From a coverage standpoint, the emergency cash transfers Unconditional cash transfers will reach to about 375,000 households (2.25 million; 14.2% of the population), compared to 200,000 beneficiary households (1.2 million individuals; 8% of the population) in the parent project. A benefit size of US$60 per month for 6 months will be provided as shock- Social Assistance responsive top-ups to existing beneficiaries, and as emergency cash transfer to non-Baxnaano households.855 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 349 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 350 South Africa Fuel subsidies On March 31, 2022, South Africa announced price cap on 93 octane petrol, allowing retailers to sell at a price below the regulated price.856 Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 351 Direct tax On March 31, 2022, South Africa agreed a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy to be funded by a liquidation of a portion of the strategic crude oil reserves. The general fuel levy is temporarily reduced by R1.50 per liter from 6 April 2022 to 31 May 2022. This will reduce the general fuel levy for petrol from R3.85 per liter to Tax R2.35 per liter and reduce the general fuel levy for diesel from R3.70 Indirect tax per liter to R2.20 per liter for two months. On May 31, 2022, the South Africa decided to extend its fuel subsidy for another two months. This will be accomplished by extending the R1.50 per liter respite from June 1 to July 6, 2022. The relief will then be reduced to 75c per liter for the second month, (i.e., from July 7 to August 2, 2022). The temporary fuel levy reduction expired on August 3, 2022. The fuel tax levy reduction costs 6 billion Rand.857, 858, 859 352 South Korea Fuel subsidies On May 17, 2022, South Korea has announced plans to provide more subsidies to cargo truck and taxi drivers who are suffering from a hike in diesel prices in a bid to ease the burden from rising fuel costs, the finance ministry said Tuesday. The government plans to lower the threshold price set for subsidy payments to 1,750 won (US$1.37) per liter from the current 1,850 won. The diesel subsidies have been Subsidies applied to diesel-fueled logistics vehicles across the nation, including 445,000 cargo trucks, 21,000 buses, 9,300 taxies, and 1,300 cargo ships, according to the ministry.860, 861 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 353 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade On April 4, 2022, South Korea had put restrictions on exports of Urea. Export/import easing However, this expired at the end of March 2022.862 Direct tax On July 1, 2022, Seoul has extended the rates that took effect from Nov. 12, 2021, shaving taxes of 164 won ($0.13), 116 won and 40 Tax won off every liter of gasoline, diesel fuel and liquefied petroleum gas Indirect tax (LPG), respectively, until the end of 2022. The South Korean government would expand the scale of auto fuel tax cuts to a record 37% effective July 1 until end-2022 in an emergency measure to curb surging inflation and retail fuel prices, June 20, 2022.863, 864 354 Spain Fuel subsidies [March 25] Within a larger package, there will be a subsidy of 20 cents (euro) per liter of gasoline, of which 15 cents will be subsidized by the government and 5 cents by the gasoline companies.865 [May 9] Spain has been approved for a price cap on energy prices derived from natural gas and coal from the EU. These will initially be set at 40 euros per megawatt hour and can eventually be raised to 50 euros over the next 12 months.866 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies [March 25, 2022] Spain announced 16 billion euros in direct aid, tax cuts, and soft loans to help companies and households' weather high energy prices. Within that package, 10 billion euros will go towards subsidized loans.867 On July 12th, Spain announced multiple measures to help ease the burden of higher prices and to try to reduce prices. One of these is a horizontal expansion of current scholarship programs for students 16 and older in higher education. Additionally, these students in scholarship programs will receive 100 euros a month between September and December 2022. It is estimated that one million students currently have a scholarship as of July 2022.868, 869 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Social Insurance Paid sick leave 355 Health insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax [March 28, 2022] Spain announced 16 billion euros in direct aid, tax Tax cuts, and soft loans to help companies and households' weather high Indirect tax energy prices. Of the total, 6 billion euros will go to direct aid and to expand upon an existing tax cut program related to Covid-19.870 356 Sri Lanka Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On 14 April 2022, Sri Lanka's state-owned petroleum corporation (Ceylon Petroleum Corporation) announced fuel rationing for vehicles Subsidies with effect as a historic economic crisis roils the country. It said that motorcycles and other two-wheelers can purchase fuel worth up to Rs 1,000 per visit to petrol pumps. Three-wheelers can buy fuel worth Rs 1,500, while cars, jeeps and vans can purchase it for up to Rs 5,000. Buses, lorries and commercial vehicles have been exempted from the fuel rationing.871, 872 Due to the increase in cost of living, on 2 January 2022, Sri Lanka decided to provide additional Rs. 1,000 per month to Samurdhi beneficiaries starting from January 2022.873 Due to the increase in cost of living, on 2 January 2022, Sri Lanka increased pensions income by Rs. 5,000 per month starting from Unconditional cash transfers January 2022.874 On August 22, 2022, following a 290 percent price hike for kerosene, Sri Lanka has decided to provide a direct cash transfer to low-income Social Assistance families, fisherfolk and plantation workers, the Ministry of Power & Energy said.875 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance 357 Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Due to the increase in cost of living, on 2 January 2022, Sri Lanka Wage increase increased civil servants’ salaries by Rs. 5,000 per month starting from January 2022.876 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Due to increase in cost of living, on 2 January 2022, Sri Lanka Indirect tax exempted all food and medicine items from taxes (VAT) starting January 2022.877 358 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 359 Starting May 1, 2022, St. Vincent and the Grenadines announced the waiving of customs service charge on all fuel bought by the state- owned enterprise VINLEC (the only commercial generator of electricity).878 Starting May 1, 2022, St. Vincent and the Grenadines announced a Indirect tax policy that would remove the custom service charge on cooking fuel.879 Starting May 1, 2022, St. Vincent and the Grenadines implemented a policy that would halve the excise tax on fuel. The excise tax was about EC$2.10 for every gallon of gasoline and EC$3 for diesel.880 360 Sudan Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On 27 May 2022, Sudan issued emergency order banning the transfer of any quantity of the locally produced wheat crop out of Northern Trade Export/import restriction State, without written permission from the Ministry of Production and Economic Resources. This does not include small quantities deemed to be for personal use. The authorities warn that violation of this order 361 carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years, and a fine of at least SDG 100,000. Any wheat found to be transported in violation of the order will be seized by the Northern State government.881 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 362 Suriname Fuel subsidies On April 8th, the government announced a temporary fuel subsidy to fight the rising price of gasoline and diesel for consumers. They will use the increased profits from the oil sector due to the rise in the price Subsidies of oil to fund this subsidy.882 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 363 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 364 Sweden Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On March 14, 2022, Sweden announced a $1.45 billion (€1.32 billion, or 14 billion kronor) in fuel and power subsidies to help Swedes cope with soaring prices resulting from the Ukraine conflict. As part of it, the compensatory payment for electricity costs will be extended for another month in southern and central Sweden. The compensatory Subsidies payment will be extended with lower payment levels for the month of March in electricity price areas 3 and 4 in southern and central Sweden, where prices have increased the most. Reimbursement will be provided to households whose electricity consumption is from 400 kWh to 2,000 kWh per month. The lower limit will be reduced in comparison with the earlier compensatory payment so as to include households with lower electricity consumption. The compensatory payment will be from SEK 100 to SEK 1,000 and include approximately 2 million households. The total cost of this measure is estimated at SEK 900 million.883 The Swedish parliament also voted through an increase in the housing supplement of SEK 100 for single people and SEK 50 for cohabitants.884 Unconditional cash transfers On March 14, 2022, Sweden announced a $1.45 billion (€1.32 billion, or 14 billion kronor) in fuel and power subsidies to help Swedes cope with soaring prices resulting from the Ukraine conflict. As part of it, the housing allowance for families with children will be temporarily Social Assistance increased from July to December 2022.885 On March 14, 2022 Sweden announced that to protect households in financial difficulties from dramatic price increases, a temporary extra child allowance will be introduced until December 2022 for families with children that are, or later this year will be, eligible for housing Conditional cash transfers allowance. The extra child allowance will be equivalent to 25 per cent of the preliminary housing allowance and will at most amount to SEK 1,325 per month. The total cost is estimated at SEK 500 million.886 365 On March 14, 2022, Sweden announced a $1.45 billion (€1.32 billion, or 14 billion kronor) in fuel and power subsidies to help Swedes cope with soaring prices resulting from the Ukraine conflict. As part of it, additional funds will be allocated to the appropriation for the climate bonus. To continue to promote the transition to environmentally friendly vehicles, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and meet rapidly increasing sales of climate bonus cars (primarily electric), the appropriation for the climate bonus will be increased by SEK 3.9 billion. Therefore, a person who buys an electric car will continue to receive SEK 70,000 in financial support. On July 12, 2022, the Swedish government has passed several amendments to the climate bonus for cars. These include the introduction of a price cap on the climate bonus equal to a new car price of SEK 700,000. The bonus for plug-in hybrids is reduced from the current level of SEK 45,000 to SEK 20,000 and, in addition, the CO₂ emissions limit for the bonus malus system is being reduced from 60 g CO₂/km to 50 g CO₂/km.887 On March 14, 2022, Sweden announced a $1.45 billion (€1.32 billion, or 14 billion kronor) in fuel and power subsidies to help Swedes cope with soaring prices resulting from the Ukraine conflict. As part of it, a new compensatory payment for fuel costs will be introduced to private individuals who own a car. The support will amount to SEK 1,000 per car owner. On top of it, people who own a car and live in municipalities located in regional policy support areas 1, 2 and 3 will receive an additional compensatory payment of SEK 500. For the most part, this applies to sparsely populated and rural areas where distances travelled are long. The basic premise is that the compensatory payment is paid automatically. The total cost of this measure is estimated at SEK 4 billion.888, 889 Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance 366 [June 2022] The Swedish parliament has voted to increase the guaranteed pension by SEK 1,000 per month before tax from August 2022. This change gives a new minimum guaranteed pension level of Pensions SEK 9,781 before tax for a single pensioner and SEK 8,855 a month for a married pensioner. This change, along with the housing supplement, will cost the state an estimated SEK 3.9bn in 2022 and SEK 10.5bn in 2023.890 Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On March 14, 2022, Sweden announced a $1.45 billion (€1.32 billion, or 14 billion kronor) in fuel and power subsidies to help Swedes cope with soaring prices resulting from the Ukraine conflict. As part of it, the GDP indexing of diesel and petrol will be suspended. The annual indexation of diesel and petrol tax rates was suspended in 2021 and 2022. It is proposed that this also apply in 2023. The Government will Tax circulate a proposal for consultation with the goal that it enters into Indirect tax force on 1 January 2023. The cost of this measure is estimated at SEK 900 million for 2023.891 On March 14, 2022, Sweden announced a $1.45 billion (€1.32 billion, or 14 billion kronor) in fuel and power subsidies to help Swedes cope with soaring prices resulting from the Ukraine conflict. As part of it, tax on diesel and petrol will be temporarily reduced to the lowest level 367 permitted under EU regulations from 1 June to 31 October, 2022. The price of petrol and diesel at the pump will be just over SEK 1.30 lower per liter in addition to the tax reduction of SEK 0.50 that will be introduced in May. The total cost of this measure is estimated at SEK 3.7 billion.892 368 Syria Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Mar 6, 2022, the Syrian government banned the export of several foodstuffs (including of garlic, onions, potatoes, butter, oils, eggs, Trade Export/import restriction among other products) for a duration of 2 months as part of a package of measures aimed at mitigating the impact resulting from the conflict 369 in Ukraine on the country's economy and the availability of basic commodities.893 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 370 Taiwan, China Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On March 31, 2022, Taiwan's Cabinet on Thursday approved a NT$30 billion (US$1.05 billion) expanded housing rent subsidy program for the 2022 fiscal year which will increase the availability and amount of rent subsidies and is expected to benefit 500,000 applicants.894 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Trade Export/import restriction 371 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 372 Tajikistan Fuel subsidies Food subsidies During March 14-16, 2022, in order to stabilize prices, the Tajikistan's Agency for State Material Reserves has established mobile sales outlets in the market and has been selling a fixed amount of staple Subsidies food to the public at relatively low prices. This was observed in Dushanbe, Khujand, Bokhtar, Rasht, Khorog, Kulob and Kushoniyon.895 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 373 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 374 Tanzania Fuel subsidies On June 1, 2022, Tanzania announced a TSh100 billion fuel subsidy, seeking to reduce fuel prices in the country with effect from 1 June 2022.896, 897 Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On August 9, 2022, Tanzania launched a fertilizer subsidy program for fiscal year 2022-23 which will cost TSh 150 billion. Under the subsidy Subsidies arrangement, the government will pay for a Sh52,000 subsidy. A bag of DAP that was sold for Sh131,675 will now cost Sh70,000 only, while that of Urea, which used to fetch Sh124,714, will cost Sh70,000 only. A bag of CAN, which used to fetch Sh108,156 will now sell at Sh60,000 while that of NPKs, which cost Sh122,695 will now cost Sh70,000.898, 899 Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 375 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On February 28, 2022, the government through the ministry of energy Tax announced the abolition of the Sh100 levy per liter of petrol, diesel Indirect tax and kerosene for three months from March. It is expected to Cost Sh 30 bn per month. The program seems to have ended.900, 901 376 Thailand Fuel subsidies On March 10, 2022, Energy Ministry's reported to the cabinet, the state Oil Fund paid an average of 7.25-7.6 billion baht per month in subsidies to maintain the retail price of diesel at 30 baht per liter from January to February, which is considered relatively high.902, 903 On June 21, 2022, The Thailand cabinet introduced a new round of measures to cut people’s cost of living. They include a 50% subsidy on the diesel price that is higher than 35 baht per liter for three months from July to September.904 Subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On March 10, 2022, Thailand has announced subsidies are provided to passenger cars per EV unit depending on its battery capacity for completely knocked-down (CKD) and CBU units. Passenger cars with 10 to 30 kWh batter capacity will receive a 70,000-baht (US$2,111) and passenger cars with over 30 kWh batter capacity will receive a 150,000-baht (US$4,523) subsidy. Similarly, an 18,000-baht subsidy will be provided for electric motorcycles from eligible car producers between 2022-2023.905 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits 377 Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On March 10, 2022, Thailand released new government incentives for its electric vehicles (EV) industry as part of its ambitious plan to transform 50 percent of its total auto production to EVs by 2030 and become a production base for cleaner vehicles in Southeast Asia. The new incentive package includes a significant exemption in import duty Tax and excise tax for a wide range of EV models, not to mention previous Indirect tax subsidies announced in February. The latest incentive package announced includes: A 40 percent reduction in import duty for completely built-up (CBU) of battery EVs priced up to 2 million baht ($61,805) and a 20 percent reduction for those priced between 2 million ($61,805) and 7 million baht (US$211,278) from 2022 to 2023; and Excise tax cut from 8 percent to 2 percent for imported EVs, which is predicted to add 7,000 EVs in the first year.906, 907 378 Togo Fuel subsidies On March 29, 2022, Togo has limited the price per liter of fuel (super unleaded) to 595 F.908 Food subsidies On March 29, 2022, Togo has announced that the prices of maize, sorghum, beans, millet and rice are capped.909 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies On 8 July 2022, it was reported that Togo provided 82,000 ton of fertilizer to farmers across the country, as part of 2022-23 agricultural campaign. This is about 7% more than the 76,000 tons initially Subsidies announced. It includes 43,000 tons of NPK and 39,000 ton of urea. This season, the government has spent over CFA17 billion on fertilizer subsidies to help farmers. The subsidized 50 kg bag is sold at 18,000 CFA francs. Without subsidy, it would normally go for 31,000 CFA francs.910, 911, 912 Fees subsidies On April 27, 2022, Togo has decided to lower interest rates for FNFI (National Fund for Inclusive Finance) services by two points, particularly in the most vulnerable areas.913 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) 379 Labor market regulations Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On March 29, 2022, Togo has announced the exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on wheat flour sold at the factory.914 Tax On March 29, 2022, Togo has announced that imported products (oil, Indirect tax milk, wheat flour, etc.) are also capped and will be exempt from VAT.915 On May 1, 2022, Togo has suspended the payment of market ticket taxes on all markets for a period of 3 months.916 380 Tunisia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies [August 2022] Steg (Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas) recently decided on increases in electricity and gas tariffs at rates ranging from 12.2 to 16% for households and 15% for industrial. The increase came into effect when calculating the amortization of the two Subsidies bills for estimation and consumption from May 2022. Despite the increase in bills, the state subsidizes electricity up to 20%, knowing that the amount of uncollected debts by the Steg amounted to 2400 million dinars on a turnover of about 5500 million dinars. The fees collected by the Steg are a contribution to local communities, at a rate of 5 millimes per kilowatt hour, a contribution paid to the benefit of radio and television and in the form of a fee to the Energy Transition Fund (electricity and gas).917 Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver 381 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On 11 April 2022, Tunisia banned the export of fresh fruits and Export/import restriction Trade vegetables to all countries including its largest importer Libya.918 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 382 Turkey Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On March 15, 2022, it was reported that in the last couple weeks, Turkey has imposed temporary export bans on select agricultural Trade Export/import restriction products to stabilize local market conditions and keep prices from running higher. The Ministry of Trade recently halted shipments of grains, oilseeds, cooking oil, and a few other agricultural commodities 383 – sourced from third countries – that are currently being held in bonded warehouses at Turkish seaports.919 On March 15, 2022, it was reported that Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture & Forest (MinAF) stopped direct exports of cooking oil, bulk olive oil shipments, margarine, red lentils, and dry beans from Turkey. MinAF may also block exports of other agricultural goods at any time.920 On 21 March 2022, Turkey imposed a quota restriction on export of cattle, sheep and goat meat to all countries except for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, following a recent price hike of nearly 50 percent.921 In February, Turkey implemented export restriction on more than a dozen agricultural products, including vegetable oils, meat, pulses, and Export/import easing some dairy products. On June 26,2022 Turkey removed the ban on butter exports was replaced with a monthly quota, and on July 7th, Turkey also removed the ban on olive oil exports.922 Direct tax On 12 Feb 2022, Turkey, under its VAT System Simplification Program, reduced the VAT on basic food products from 8% to 1%. The decision, published in the Official Gazette, went into effect on February 14, 2022. The cut includes staples such as flour, rice, pasta, meat, fish, tea, coffee, water, milk and dairy products, cheese, eggs, oils, sugar, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.923 Tax Indirect tax On February 12, 2022, Turkey reduced the tax (VAT) on electricity used for residential and agricultural irrigation purposes from 18% to 8%.924 On 28 March 2022, the VAT rate in turkey will be lowered to 1 percent on all kinds of certified seed and saplings.925 384 On 28 March 2022, Turkey reduced taxes on several items, including hygiene products and medical equipment, to counter inflation in the country. It reduced the VAT on products such as detergent, soap, toilet paper, napkins and baby diapers from 18% to 8%.926 On 28 March 2022, Turkey reduced the VAT charged on catering services, including in restaurants and hotels, from 18 to 8 percent.927 On 28 March 2022, the VAT in Turkey has been set at 8 percent in the sales of houses that are smaller than 150 square meters in size.928 385 Turkmenistan Fuel subsidies Food subsidies On March 04, 2022, Turkmenistan announced to keep prices of consumer goods and food products under control in the market and Subsidies stores.929 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing 386 Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 387 Uganda Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Uganda is imposing high taxes to prevent food exports such as maize, Export/import restriction Trade soybeans, rice, and wheat to neighboring countries.930 Export/import easing Tax Direct tax 388 Indirect tax 389 United Arab Emirates Fuel subsidies On 4 July 2022, UAE announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6bn) relief package to ease rising inflation. The Emirati families whose household income is up to Dh25,000 per month ($6,800) are eligible for a series of measures, including fuel subsidy. Eligible Emiratis will receive an 85 per cent discount on the cost of petrol above Dh2.10 per liter — the current price is Dh4.6. The allowance is renewed every month to up to 400 liters for the father and if both couples have a car, then 500 liters. Beneficiaries will be contacted directly by the ministry, and they will be immediately linked to their Emirates ID, so they can immediately go to any gas station to receive this month's allowance.931 Food subsidies On 4 July 2022, UAE announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6bn) relief package to ease rising inflation. The Emirati families whose household income is up to Dh25,000 per month ($6,800) are eligible for a series of measures, including food subsidy. It plans to cover 75 percent of inflation on food items.932 Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Subsidies Fees subsidies On 4 July 2022, UAE announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6bn) relief package to ease rising inflation. The Emirati families whose household income is up to Dh25,000 per month ($6,800) are eligible for a series of measures, including electricity and water subsidy. Eligible Emiratis will be granted a 50 per cent subsidy for electricity consumption of less than 4,000 kilowatts, and a 50 per cent monthly water subsidy for water consumption below 26,000 gallons.933, 934 On 4 July 2022, UAE announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6bn) relief package to ease rising inflation. The Emirati families whose household income is up to Dh25,000 per month ($6,800) are eligible for a series of measures, including Education subsidy. Among the new allocations included in the social support program for the family is the “University Education Allowance” for outstanding students. This is designed to encourage children to enroll in university education, with the value of the allowance at Dh3,200 per month.935, 936 390 On 4 July 2022, UAE announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6bn) relief package to ease rising inflation. The Emirati families whose household income is up to Dh25,000 per month ($6,800) are eligible for a series of measures, including housing allowance. The program includes a provision for housing, ranging between Dh1,500 dirhams and Dh2,500 per month, to pay for private accommodation until a family obtains government housing. Applicants who live with parents or any other family are entitled to 60 per cent of these amounts. The support does not apply to those who have any other form of government housing benefit, or who own a house registered in their name. The benefit stops when the applicant secures government housing. 937, 938 On 4 July 2022, UAE announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6bn) relief package to ease rising inflation. More than 47,300 Emirati families whose household income is up to Dh25,000 per month ($6,800) are eligible for a series of measures, including family allowance. The father of the family will now receive an allowance starting at Dh5,000 per month. This amount will increase at a rate of Dh2,000 per month for every 10 years of work experience, to a maximum of Dh13,000 per Unconditional cash transfers month. This allowance is granted from the age of 30 and above, with the calculation of work years beginning from the age of 21. The wife’s allowance will be lifted to Dh3,500 per month. Allowances for children will rise to Dh2,400 a month for the first child, Dh1,600 a Social Assistance month for the second and third child, and Dh800 for every subsequent child – up to the age of 21. This allowance applies to all citizens, those in work, the unemployed and those seeking work. 939, 940 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Social Insurance Health insurance Pensions 391 On 4 July 2022, UAE announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6bn) relief package to ease rising inflation. The Emirati families whose household income is up to Dh25,000 per month ($6,800) are eligible for a series Unemployment benefits of measures, including Job seeker allowance. This allowance extends for a period of six months, and amounts to Dh5,000 dirhams per month for each beneficiary, regardless of age. The allowance offers financial assistance while looking for employment. 941, 942 Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 392 United Kingdom943 Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Farmers will be further supported through new slurry storage grants as of this year, helping meet the Farming Rules for Water and reducing dependence on artificial fertilizers.944 The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is the first of 3 new environmental schemes being introduced under the Agricultural Transition Plan. The other 2 schemes are Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery. SFI aims to help farmers manage land in a way that improves food production and is more environmentally sustainable. Farmers will be paid to provide public goods, such as improved water quality, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, animal, and health and welfare. In 2022, there will be 3 standards available, with different levels and payments. £22 or £40 per hectare of arable and horticultural soils, between £28 and £58 per hectare for Subsidies improved grassland soils and between £10.30 and £265 (based on agreement) per hectare for moorland. There will also be an additional annual payment of £6.15 per hectare for common land entered into a separate SFI standards agreement.945, 946 Fees subsidies On February 3, 2022, United Kingdom is providing a package of support worth £11.7 billion from 2022 to 2023 which includes the Energy Bills Support Scheme. Through the scheme, domestic electricity customers in Great Britain will receive a £400 reduction in their electricity costs starting from this October. The costs of the reduction will be spread as widely as possible, so that no one pays more than £40 per year through the levy. Therefore, all domestic electricity consumers will pay a charge in future years. It is a grant now with a levy on future billpayers. This scheme will help over 29 million households.947, 948, 949 On March 23, 2022, in the UK, as part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, 2.2 million low-income households receive a £140 rebate on their energy bills. From 2022, proposed changes will see the scheme 393 be worth £475 million a year with nearly 3 million households receiving a £150 rebate.950, 951 On July 6, 2022, the UK enabled that extension of the energy price cap to protect families. The energy price cap is the best safety net for 22 million households and the bill will enable the extension of the price cap beyond 2023. Regulator Ofgem will announce a new price cap level in the last week of August.952, 953 [March 2022] Reducing the Universal Credit taper rate from 63% to 55% and increasing Universal Credit work allowances by £500 a year to make work pay.954 April 1, 2022, Uk, Winter Fuel Payment: an allowance between £100 and £300 to help households pay their heating bills. Individuals will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they are eligible and either: get the State Pension; get another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit). Most payments are made automatically in November or December. Individuals should have been paid for winter 2021 to 2022. The full amount of Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on individual circumstances and ranges between £250 and £600. This amount is inclusive of the "pensioner cost of living Social Assistance Unconditional cash transfers payment".955, 956, 957 [May 2022] The government will target financial support to the poorest households. The government will send directly to about 8 million households a one-off “cost of living payment” of £650, direct to people’s bank accounts. The amount will be paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324. The support is worth more than £5 billion.958, 959 [May 2022] The repayment of the £200 repayable loan, due in October, will be turned into a grant. The payment will be doubled to £400 for everyone. The funding is worth £6bn.960 [May 2022] 8 million pensioner households will receive a one-off “pensioner cost of living payment” of £300.961 394 [May 2022] 6 million non-means-tested disability benefit recipients will receive a £150 payment.962, 963 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions [March 2022] To help households with the cost of essentials such as food, clothing and utilities, the government is providing an additional £500 million for the Household Support Fund from April, on top of the £500 million already provided since October 2021, bringing total funding to £1 billion. Local Authorities will determine how to best use Unconditional in-kind transfers the remainder of the fund within the scope set out by ministers. (food, vouchers, others) Previous funding has supported households with food, clothing, energy and water costs, and this extension will ensure that this support continues through to the autumn. The extension will run for six months to the end of September 2022. [July 2022] Latest data reveals that 8.9 million grants have been given to families in first round of Household Support Fund.964, 965, 966 Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits [23 March 2022] Increase in the annual National Insurance Primary Threshold and the Lower Profits Limit from £9,880 to £12,570 from July 2022, to align with the income tax personal allowance. This is a Social Insurance tax cut of over £6 billion and worth over £330 for a typical employee in the year from July.967 Social security contributions waiver [23 March 2022] Around 70% of National Insurance contributions (NICs) payers will pay less NICs, even accounting for the introduction of the Health and Social Care Levy. This change will take 2.2 million people out of paying Class 1 and Class 4 NICs and the Health and Social Care Levy altogether. Earners on less than £25,000 now pay 395 less in income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). Those earning above £25,000 will pay more. Taken together, the changes will raise the Treasury around £14 billion in 2022/23, with higher income households paying the most.968 [23 March 2022] From April 2022 self-employed individuals with profits between the Small Profits Threshold and Lower Profits Limit will continue to build up National Insurance credits but will not pay any Class 2 NICs. Taken together, these measures will meet the government’s ambition to ensure that the first £12,500 earned is tax free.969, 970 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Increasing the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 23 and Wage increase over by 6.6% to £9.50 an hour from April 2022.971 Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing On February 3, 2022, United Kingdom, as part of its targeted response to rising energy bills, has introduced a £150 council tax rebate starting April 1, 2022. This will mean that council tax costs will not rise for the majority of people, including those on the lowest incomes.972, 973 Direct tax On March 23, 2022, the UK announced that it will reduce the basic Tax rate of income tax to 19% from April 2024. This is a tax cut of over £5 billion a year.974 On 23 March 2022, the UK will reverse a Court of Justice of the European Union ruling that restricted the application of VAT relief on Indirect tax the installation of energy saving materials (ESMs). This will mean wind and water turbines will be added to the list of ESMs and the complex eligibility conditions will be removed. The government will also increase the relief further by introducing a time-limited zero rate 396 for the installation of ESMs. The changes will take effect from April 2022.975 On March 23, 2022, the UK will cut the duty on petrol and diesel by £0.05 per liter for 12 months. This will take effect from 6pm on 23 March on a UK-wide basis. This cut represents savings for households and businesses worth around £2.4 billion in 2022-23. Where practical, a proportionate cut will also apply to fuel duty rates which are lower than the main rates for petrol and diesel, including red diesel.976 397 United States Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On March 26th, California announced that it will be handing out debit cards with USD $400 to California drivers. This measure is a USD $9 billion proposal.977 On March 26th, Maine proposed an USD $850 check to qualified taxpayers in Maine. These relief checks are expected to reach 858,000 Unconditional cash transfers Mainers and cost a total of US $729.3 million. Those eligible are those who as a full-year Maine resident file a 2021 Maine income tax return by October 31st, 2022, and have an individual salary under US $100,000, US $150,000 if filing as head of household, and under US Social Assistance $200,000 if couples filing jointly. These relief checks are set to be sent out starting in June of 2022.978, 979 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, Labor Market others) Labor market regulations 398 Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing On March 26, 2022, USA's Georgia announced a program to give tax refunds to Georgians who filed taxes in 2020 and 2021. The amounts Direct tax will be up to USD $250 for single filers, USD $375 for single filers who are heads of households, and up to USD $500 for married couples filing jointly. This refund is part of a USD $1.1 billion package.980 On March 26, 2022, USA's Connecticut state announced the suspension of the gas tax from April 1 to June 30, 2022. This is expected to cost USD$ 90 million in lost revenue. It is set to last from April 1st to November 30th, 2022.981, 982 On March 26, 2022, USA's Maryland state announced a 30-day Tax suspension of the gas tax with the option to extend 90 days. Estimated to cost USD $100 million a month.983 Indirect tax On March 26, 2022, USA's Florida state announced USD $1 billion in temporary gas tax relief for residents. State lawmakers also approved a one-month hiatus of the gas tax. This tax holiday will be in effect for the month of October.984, 985, 986 On March 26, 2022, USA's Georgia state announced the suspension of the gas tax which was signed on March 18. [Extension] On September 1st, Georgia extended the gas tax suspension. It is set to last until October 12th.987, 988 399 Uruguay Fuel subsidies Starting April 1, Uruguay put a price control on gasoline. [Update] On April 30th, the subsidy is still in place but due to the rising prices of fuel, the subsidy amount has increased. The price paid by consumers has also gone up but not as much as it would have been without the subsidy.989, 990 Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On May 17, 2022, Uruguay reported that the government was implementing various new measures to ease the burden of rising prices on the most vulnerable. One of these measures was a price freeze on propane tank gas as well as a 50% discount on all refills for beneficiaries of programs within the Ministry of Social Development.991 On May 17th, it was reported that the government was implementing various new measures to ease the burden of rising prices on the most vulnerable. One of these measures was a 4% increase in the amount Unconditional cash transfers contributed for two cash transfer programs: “Asignaciones Familiares- Plan de Equidad” and “Tarjeta Social Uruguay”. This increase went into effect in July and is expected to reach 800,000 beneficiaries.992 Social Assistance Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver 400 Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax Starting from May 1, 2022, Uruguay announced discount on the IMESI tax (excise duty) will be increased up to 30% for gas stations near the border with Argentina.993 On May 17, 2022, it was reported that Uruguay was implementing various new measures to ease the burden of rising prices on the most vulnerable. One of these measures was a discount on VAT for certain Tax products for beneficiaries of the “Asignaciones Familiares-Plan de Indirect tax Equidad” program who use the new Tuapp application.994 On May 17, 2022, it was reported that Uruguay was implementing various new measures to ease the burden of rising prices on the most vulnerable. One of these measures was a reduction in the customs duties for food products that are heavily affected by the conflict in Ukraine as well as reducing those coming outside of Mercosur and Argentina specifically.995 401 Uzbekistan Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase On June 1, 2022, Uzbekistan has temporarily restricted export of vegetable oils and oilseeds, including cottonseed oil and sunflower oil, Trade Export/import restriction sunflower seed and other oilseeds. The government has not specified the date of expiry of the ban.996 402 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 403 Vietnam Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase 404 On May 6, 2022, Vietnam has proposed a five per cent increase in the export tax rate, in an effort to cool down domestic fertilizer prices. To lower the domestic fertilizer price and stabilize the supply, the Finance Ministry has submitted to the government to lower export taxes on Export/import restriction Trade fertilizers by 5 per cent, without classifying the ratio of natural resources, or minerals. Accordingly, fertilizer with a value less than 51 per cent will be subject to 5 per cent instead of zero per cent currently. Export tax for other kinds of fertilizers remain unchanged.997 Export/import easing Direct tax Tax Indirect tax 405 Zambia Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies On June 14, 2022, it was reported that World Bank is supporting Zambia by Scaling up Shock Responsive Social Protection Project. The Social Cash Transfer (SCT) will cover cash transfers to almost one million (1,026,000) beneficiaries of the government’s SCT program for the period of one year. This emergency financing will therefore stabilize financing for the SCT, while also including a small buffer of funds to allow for a limited vertical or horizontal expansion Unconditional cash transfers of the cash transfer to respond to price shocks or other further shock, respectively, as required. The program currently covers 974,000 individuals. SCT currently provides a bi-monthly transfer of ZMW 400 (US$24 equivalent, or US$12 monthly) for an average household Social Assistance and double this amount for households with a disabled person. Beneficiaries are selected through categorical as well as poverty targeting to identify people that are poor and also are not able to work for reasons of age, disability, illness, or high dependency ratios.998 Conditional cash transfers Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits 406 Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade Export/import easing Direct tax On 11 Jan 2022, Zambia announced that it would waive off/ suspend Tax excise duty, import duty and VAT on fuel until the end of June 2022. Indirect tax [Extension] On 16 June 2022, Zambia extended the suspension of import, excise duty and VAT on fuel for another 3 months -- until the end of 30 September 2022.999, 1000, 1001 407 Zimbabwe Fuel subsidies Food subsidies Subsidies Fertilizer/agriculture subsidies Fees subsidies Unconditional cash transfers Conditional cash transfers Social Assistance Social pensions Unconditional in-kind transfers (food, vouchers, others) Conditional in-kind transfers (school feeding) Public works Paid sick leave Health insurance Social Insurance Pensions Unemployment benefits Social security contributions waiver Training (vocational, life skills, others) Labor market regulations Labor Market Wage subsidies Wage increase Export/import restriction Trade On 20 May 2022, Zimbabwe to remove the mandatory production of Export/import easing import licenses on categories of the basic commodities: sugar, milk powder, infants milk formula, petroleum jelly, bath soap, laundry bar 408 and washing powder. These products can now be imported by anyone without the need to produce import permits or licenses.1002 Direct tax On 17 May 2022, Zimbabwe introduced Statutory Instrument 98 of 2022 to wholly suspended Customs duties on importation of basic commodities. It will be effective for the next six months – from 17 Tax May 2022 to 16 November 2022. Its effect on cross-border trade is to Indirect tax totally or wholly suspend payment of duty on cooking oil, margarine, rice, flour, salt, bath soap, laundry soap, washing powder, toothpaste and petroleum jelly during the said period, regardless of their country of origin (CoO) and quantities (bulk and small).10031004 409 Sources and endnotes 1 See Annexes 1 for regional profiles and Annex 2 for overall classification of measures included in the tracker. 2 Only 3 out of the 23 labor market programs have spending information, while only 5 out of the total 24 social insurance programs has spending information. 3 Out of the total 44 countries with cash transfer coverage information available, only 8 reported actual coverage: Barbados (0.35% of population), Liberia (2%), Moldova (4%), Zambia (5%), Denmark (14%), Romania (13%), United Kingdom (31%), and Philippines (15%). 4 Under Subsidies, actual coverage was only available in 5 countries out of the total 26 countries with planned coverage: Philippines (0.08%), Azerbaijan (0.44%), North Macedonia (1%), Lithuania (3%), and Poland (1%). 5 There are some gray areas in the definition of universality. For example, some measures may be available to everyone in society, but may require possessing an asset or performing a certain act. For instance, that may be the case of fuel subsidies at the pump (which may require the possession of a car) or universal discounts for public transportation (which would require using those transportation vehicles to benefit from the subsidy). 6 The analysis refers only to those categories as they can potentially be universal or targeted; the other social protection components, like social insurance and labor markets, are more targeted by design (i.e., pensions for seniors and policies for workers). A range of trade-related policies are difficult to classify, hence were left out from the analysis. 7 There are 160 vendors taking part in this initiative offering discounts for up to 30%. 8 Some transfer information was available for the social insurance (4 measures) and labor market (2 measures) and tax measures (5 measures) but were not averaged and included in the global estimate due to the small sample. 9 See annex 8 for adequacy calculation methodology 10 For example, France rose the benefits of the active solidarity income (RSA) program to EUR575.32 ($680) per month for single persons without children. And Brazil announced that base transfers under the Auxílio Brasil program would soar to R$600 ($111.23) a month. 11 Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Benin, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Dem. Rep., Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Curaçao, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Réunion (France), Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay 12 Based on 5 measures from Argentina, France, Philippines and Portugal. 13 29 measures across 25 countries. 14 Based on information from 12 measures across 12 economies. 15 Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Congo, Dem. Rep., Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Curaçao, Czech Republic, France, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, Réunion (France), Romania, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates. 16 Barbados, Benin, Cape Verde, Chile, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Madagascar, Oman, Panama, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Togo, Uruguay 17 Calculated based on 3 measures from Bangladesh, Mali, and Pakistan. 18 Calculated based on 7 measures from Dominican Republic, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, and Oman. 19 Based on information from 8 measures across 8 countries. 20 Computed based on information from 4 measures. 21 Computed based on information from 14 measures. 22 Based on 2 measures. 23 Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Uruguay. 24 Albania, Argentina, Belgium, Cape Verde, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. 25 It will continue until end of April. The funding for the scheme had also been increased, from €215 million to €400 million. 410 26 Albania, Andorra, Comoros, Eritrea, Germany, Italy, and New Zealand. 27 Andorra, Guinea, Iceland Sweden, Taiwan, and United Arab Emirates 28 Bulgaria, Chile, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Estonia, France, Greece, Guinea, Lithuania, Romania, Senegal, Slovenia, United Kingdom, and Uruguay. 29 Andorra, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Cyprus, Poland and Thailand 30 As per the measure, motorcycles and other two-wheelers can purchase fuel worth up to Rs 1,000 per visit to petrol pumps. Three-wheelers can buy fuel worth Rs 1,500, while cars, jeeps and vans can purchase it up to Rs 5,000. Finally, Buses, lorries and commercial vehicles are exempted from the fuel rationing. 31 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/crisis-hit-sri-lanka-re-introduces-fuel- rationing/articleshow/91351659.cms 32 Calculated based on 78 measures. 33 Calculated based on data from 44 countries. 34 Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Greece, Guyana, Iraq, Italy, Macao, Mauritius, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, United Kingdom, and North Macedonia. 35 Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Iraq, Poland, Romania, United Kingdom, and North Macedonia. 36 Austria, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, France, Greece, Guyana, Italy, Macao, Mauritius, Philippines, Portugal, and Slovenia. 37 Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Lithuania, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Paraguay, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom. 38 Calculated based on 5 measures. 39 Calculated based on data from 4 countries. 40 Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Canada, Chile, El Salvador, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Macao, Malaysia, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, Singapore, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom 41 Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Canada, Chile, El Salvador, France, Germany, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and United Kingdom . 42 Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Canada, Chile, El Salvador, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, Singapore, and United Kingdom. 43 Calculated based on 3 measures. 44 Calculated based on data from 2 countries. 45 Trade measures (import/export restrictions) are reported in the tracker, even though they are not social protection measures, as they directly affect the availability of essential good, which further impacts the needs of SP measures. 46 Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, Pakistan, Serbia, South Korea, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Jordan, North Macedonia, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh. 47 Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, Hungary, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Serbia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. 48 Belarus, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Turkey, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe. 49 In the report, the easing is defined as a movement of economy from a more stringent restriction (e.g., ban) to a relatively less stringent restriction (which also includes complete removal of restriction). 50 Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, Pakistan, Serbia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Jordan, North Macedonia, and Uganda. 51 Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Malaysia. 52 China, Kyrgyz Republic, and Viet Nam 53 Stringency reduces in the order mentioned 54 Calculated based on data from 24 measures. 55 Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla (UK), Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kyrgyz Republic, Lithuania, Malawi, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, North Macedonia, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, 411 Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. . 56 Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, United Kingdom, and United States. 57 Albania, Egypt, Finland, Germany, and Lithuania. 58 Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and United States. 59 Tax paid by tenants/residents and not landlords of rented property to local government on domestic property. 60 Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Italy, and United Kingdom. 61 Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla (UK), Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, British, Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kyrgyz Republic, Malawi, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, North Macedonia, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 62 The increase is planned in a two-step staggered approach. The first increase from 7 to 8% will take place on Jan 1, 2023, and the second increase from 8 to 9% will take place on Jan 1, 2024. 63 Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kyrgyz Republic, Malawi, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, North Macedonia, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 64 Calculated based on 5 measures. 65 Calculated based on 19 measures. 66 Calculated based on 40 measures. 67 Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Congo (Rep.), Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Réunion (France), Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 68 Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Congo, Rep., Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Réunion (France), Togo 69 Here is the rest of the products: edible oil, margarine, canned tomatoes, powdered milk, and dried grains 70 Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Dem. Rep., Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Réunion (France), South Africa, Tanzania, and Togo. 71 Eswatini, Gambia, Kenya, Mali, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Togo. 72 Cape Verde, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Eritrea, Guinea, Senegal, Togo. 73 Angola, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, and Zambia. 74 Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 75 Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. 76 The complete list is as follows: infants milk formula, petroleum jelly, bath soap, laundry bar and washing powder. 77 Based on 39 data points. 78 Based on 13 countries. 79 Based on 10 measures. 80 Based on 34 measures. 81 Australia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Montenegro, New Zealand , Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. 82 Based on 22 measures. 83 Based on 8 countries. 84 Based on 15 measures. 85 Based on 21 measures. 86 Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, 412 Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan. 87 Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and United Kingdom. 88 Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom. 89 Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. 90 Czech Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan 91 Albania, Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan, France, North Macedonia, Poland, and United Kingdom 92 Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, and United Kingdom. 93 Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kyrgyz Republic, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and United Kingdom. 94 Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Serbia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and North Macedonia. 95 The list: wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, soybeans and sunflower seed. 96 Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Sweden, and United Kingdom. 97 Albania, Andorra, France, Germany, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, and United Kingdom. 98 Based on 87 data points. 99 Based on 25 countries. 100 Based on 65 measures. 101 Based on 94 measures. 102 Anguilla (UK), Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Uruguay 103 Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay 104 Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, Uruguay 105 Argentina, Chile, Jamaica, Peru, Uruguay 106 Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Peru, Uruguay 107 Expenditure data is from 20 measures. 108 Based on 9 countries. 109 Based on 14 measures. 110 Based on 16 measures. 111 Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan. 112 Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates. 113 Beneficiaries will be contacted directly by the ministry and will be immediately linked to their Emirates ID, so they can immediately go to any gas station to receive this month allowance. 114 Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and Jordan 115 Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Malta, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. 116 Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Morocco, and Oman. 117 Based on 13 data points. 118 Based on 6 countries. 119 Based on 6 measures. 413 120 Based on 16 measures. 121 Based on 11 measures. 122 Based on 2 countries. 123 Based on 9 measures. 124 Based on 13 measures. 125 Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. 126 Based on 4 measures. 127 Based on 2 countries. 128 Based on 3 measures. 129 Based on 2 measures. 130 United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). Database on Household Size and Composition 2019. The database is accessible on the website of the Population Division: https://population.un.org/Household/index.html. 131 France, Italy, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, United Kingdom. 132 https://data.imf.org/regular.aspx?key=61545850 133 https://treasury.un.org/operationalrates/OperationalRates.php#top 134 https://english.news.cn/20220520/96af6c20bb624947b7f4a89e4f426902/c.html#:~:text=KABUL%2C%20May%2020%2 0(Xinhua),the%20government%20confirmed%20on%20Friday. (announcement, detailed information) 135 https://mia.gov.al/en/farmers-included-in-governments-recent-social-resistance-package-regarding-support-under-tax- free-oil-scheme/ 136 https://english.news.cn/europe/20220313/b698057911cd49b5aa6058688cbf91f6/c.html 137 https://english.news.cn/europe/20220313/b698057911cd49b5aa6058688cbf91f6/c.html 138 https://albaniandailynews.com/news/premier-presents-the-package-of-resistance- 139 https://english.news.cn/europe/20220313/b698057911cd49b5aa6058688cbf91f6/c.html 140 https://english.news.cn/europe/20220313/b698057911cd49b5aa6058688cbf91f6/c.html 141 https://english.news.cn/europe/20220313/b698057911cd49b5aa6058688cbf91f6/c.html 142 https://clubofmozambique.com/news/algeria-bans-export-of-food-211599/ 143 https://news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com/algeria-tebboune-orders-the-freezing-and-removal-of-several-taxes-and-fees/ 144 https://www.advantia.ad/en/economy/anti-inflation-measures 145 https://www.advantia.ad/en/economy/anti-inflation-measures 146 https://www.advantia.ad/en/economy/anti-inflation-measures 147 https://www.advantia.ad/en/economy/anti-inflation-measures 148 https://www.advantia.ad/en/economy/anti-inflation-measures 149 https://www.advantia.ad/en/economy/anti-inflation-measures 150 https://www.advantia.ad/en/economy/anti-inflation-measures 151 https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiODgxZDY5YWItZjE1Yi00YTQxLWFhOGYtMDRiYmRiODA3MmM0IiwidC I6ImU2ZDNiOTM1LTgwZDktNGY0ZC05OTY3LTMyOThkNTIzMjg5ZCJ9 152 https://www.minfin.gov.ao/PortalMinfin/#!/sala-de-imprensa/noticias/10276/assembleia-nacional-aprova-oge-para-o- exercicio-economico-de-2022 153 https://www.minfin.gov.ao/PortalMinfin/#!/sala-de-imprensa/noticias/10276/assembleia-nacional-aprova-oge-para-o- exercicio-economico-de-2022 (basic info; announcement date); 154 https://www.globalvatcompliance.com/globalvatnews/angola-2022-budget-law-food-products-reduced-to-7-percent/ (food items) 155 https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/anguilla-removes-excise-tax-fuel- imports#:~:text=Motorists%20on%20Anguilla%20can%20expect,months%20in%20the%20first%20instance. 156 https://associatestimes.com/antigua-and-barbuda-to-implement-25-fuel-subsidy-program-for-taxi-bus- operators/#:~:text=Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%3A%20The%20Cabinet,effect%20on%20Thursday%2C%20March%202 4. 157 https://antiguaobserver.com/transportation-providers-fishermen-to-benefit-from-25-percent-fuel-subsidy%EF%BF%BC/ 158 https://www.clarin.com/economia/subsidios-2022-llegaran-us-20-000-millones-representaran-3-pbi_0_LeEq9IvJHV.html 159 https://www.clarin.com/economia/subsidios-2022-llegaran-us-20-000-millones-representaran-3-pbi_0_LeEq9IvJHV.html 160 https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/en-espanol/noticias/story/2022-04-06/argentina-aumenta-ayuda-a-pobres-para- comprar-alimentos 414 161 https://www.ellitoral.com/economia/consejo-salario-minimo-vital-movil-acuerdo-septiembre-argentina- aumento_0_UMnVRmPKfP.html 162 https://www.iprofesional.com/economia/365081-salario-minimo-smvym-cuanto-es-el-sueldo-basico-en-argentina 163 https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2022/01/03/carne-cortes-exportar-argentina- 164 https://www.newsendip.com/argentina-stops-exports-of-soybean-oil-and-soybean-meal-until-further-notice/ 165 https://www.lanacion.com.ar/economia/campo/cierran-un-registro-para-exportar-aceite-y-harina-de-soja-y-subirian- retenciones-nid13032022/ 166 https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/argentina-hikes-export-tax-on-soy-meal-oil-to-33-to-combat-inflation 167 https://www.larepublica.co/globoeconomia/argentina-sube-impuesto-a-exportacion-de-harina-y-aceite-soja-a-33-hasta- fin-de-ano-3326377 168 https://www.government.aw/news/news_47033/item/list-of-basic-products-expanded_59628.html 169 https://www.government.aw/news/news_47033/item/maximum-prices-april-16-2022_59631.html 170 https://www.drive.com.au/news/electric-vehicle-subsidies-extended-in-victoria/ 171 https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/what-electric-vehicle-buyer-incentives-are-offered-around-australia 172 https://www.thelocal.at/20220802/austria-starts-anti-inflation-payments-with-e180-bonus-family-allowance/ 173 https://austrianpress.com/2022/06/14/relief-package-from-the-federal-government-in-detail/ 174 https://austrianpress.com/2022/06/14/relief-package-from-the-federal-government-in-detail/ 175 https://www.thelocal.at/20220225/austria-announces-it-will-issue-one-off-cost-of-living-payments/ 176 https://www.thelocal.at/20220321/austria-unveils-e2-billion-relief-package-to-fight-rising-fuel-costs/ 177 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-20/austria-increases-energy-subsidies-to-offset-high-gas-prices 178 https://www.azernews.az/business/192557.html 179 https://www.azernews.az/business/197255.html 180 https://www.azernews.az/nation/190963.html 181 https://www.gulf-insider.com/bahrain-takes-steps-to-control-prices-of-food-items/ 182 https://www.arabnews.com/node/2048176/world (target group - rural) 183 https://www.thedailystar.net/special-events/budget-2022-23/news/tk-16000-crore-subsidy-fertiliser-proposed-3043316 184 https://www.tbsnews.net/markets/govt-bans-aromatic-rice-export-control-price-450722 185 https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/industries/tax-customes/news/nbr-extends-vat-cut-edible-oil-imports- 3064131 (announcement date; extension, duration); 186 https://theprint.in/world/bangladesh-to-minimise-vat-on-imported-essentials-to-arrest-spiralling-prices-of-essential- items/873435/ 187 https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/industries/tax-customes/news/bangladesh-slashes-rice-import-tariffs-25- percent-3055006 188 https://barbados.loopnews.com/content/budget-22-govt-caps-gas-and-diesel-prices[Extension] 189 https://barbados.loopnews.com/content/price-ease-consumers-pay-less-gasoline-and-diesel 190 https://www.nationnews.com/2022/07/15/ministry-school-meals-trial-new-menus-summer-program/ 191 https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/children-to-receive-school-meals-during-summer-vacation/ 192 https://www.nycaribnews.com/articles/barbados-to-ease-burden-on- citizens/#:~:text=BRIDGETOWN%2C%20Barbados%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Barbados%20government,significant% 20increases%20in%20energy%20prices. 193 https://www.nycaribnews.com/articles/barbados-to-ease-burden-on- citizens/#:~:text=BRIDGETOWN%2C%20Barbados%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Barbados%20government,significant% 20increases%20in%20energy%20prices. 194 https://www.nationnews.com/2022/07/14/pm-announces-17-5m-package-ease-cost-living/ 195 https://barbados.loopnews.com/content/bajans-pay-less-supermarket-44-items; 196 https://www.nycaribnews.com/articles/barbados-to-ease-burden-on- citizens/#:~:text=BRIDGETOWN%2C%20Barbados%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Barbados%20government,significant% 20increases%20in%20energy%20prices. 197 https://cne.news/artikel/1553-thousands-of-large-belarusian-families-receive-money-for-school-supplies (expenditure, coverage, frequency, duration) 198 https://eng.belta.by/economics/view/belarus-suspends-export-of-rice-pasta-flour-149071-2022/ (restriction) 199 ttps://gratanet.com/news/ban-on-the-export-of-254-goods-from- belarus?utm_source=Mondaq&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=LinkedIn-integration (requirement of letter) 415 200 https://www.globaltradealert.org/intervention/102379/export-ban/belarus-temporary-export-ban-on-rice-pasta-rye-flour- and-barley-flour (April 14; rice and pasta to quota). 201 https://gratanet.com/news/ban-on-the-export-of-254-goods-from- belarus?utm_source=Mondaq&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=LinkedIn-integration (relaxation) 202 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ (expenditure, coverage). 203 https://www.premier.be/fr/le-gouvernement-prend-de-nouvelles-mesures-de-lutte-contre-la-hausse-des-prix-de-l-energie (expenditure old - for v2) 204 https://bx1.be/categories/news/accises-tva-chomage-temporaire-le-federal-annonce-de-nouvelles-mesures-face-a-la- hausse-des-prix/ (transfer benefit, duration). 205 https://www.premier.be/fr/le-gouvernement-prend-de-nouvelles-mesures-de-lutte-contre-la-hausse-des-prix-de-l-energie (for financing, transfer benefit, duration) 206 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices (benefit size) 207 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices (expenditure) 208 https://www.rtbf.be/article/budget-federal-2022-le-tarif-social-elargi-et-un-cheque-energie-de-80-euros-pour-les-plus- fragiles-10858617?id=10858617 (expenditure, benefit size, duration) 209 https://www.onem.be/fr/nouveau/chomage-temporaire-consecutif-lepidemie-du-coronavirus-covid-19-et-la-guerre-en- ukraine-prolongation-de-la-procedure-simplifiee-jusquau-30062022 210 https://bx1.be/categories/news/accises-tva-chomage-temporaire-le-federal-annonce-de-nouvelles-mesures-face-a-la- hausse-des-prix/. 211 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices (extension) 212 https://bx1.be/categories/news/accises-tva-chomage-temporaire-le-federal-annonce-de-nouvelles-mesures-face-a-la- hausse-des-prix/ (expenditure) 213 https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Mar-24-PR087-22-Fuel-Price-Update.pdf 214 https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/1724/le-gouvernement-vole-fois-encore-secours-consommateurs-beninois/ 215 https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/1724/le-gouvernement-vole-fois-encore-secours-consommateurs-beninois/ 216 https://www.ecofinagency.com/public-management/2403-43483-benin-issues-3-month-vat-exemption-to-reduce- inflation (duration) 217 https://www.ecofinagency.com/public-management/2403-43483-benin-issues-3-month-vat-exemption-to-reduce- inflation (duration; program details) 218 https://www.ecofinagency.com/public-management/2403-43483-benin-issues-3-month-vat-exemption-to-reduce- inflation (duration; program details) 219 https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/1724/le-gouvernement-vole-fois-encore-secours-consommateurs-beninois/ (duration, description) 220 https://seenews.com/news/bosnias-federation-to-subsidise-purchase-of-electric-hybrid-vehicles-785260 221 https://home.kpmg/us/en/home/insights/2022/08/tnf-botswana-temporary-reductions-in-vat- rates.html#:~:text=The%20Minister%20of%20Finance%20announced,to%2012%25%20(from%2014%25) (start and end date). 222 https://www.taxathand.com/article/26710/Botswana/2022/Temporary-reduction-in-VAT-rates-and-other-economic- measures-announced (announcement & start date, information on the program). 223 https://home.kpmg/us/en/home/insights/2022/08/tnf-botswana-temporary-reductions-in-vat- rates.html#:~:text=The%20Minister%20of%20Finance%20announced,to%2012%25%20(from%2014%25) (start and end date). 224 https://www.taxathand.com/article/26710/Botswana/2022/Temporary-reduction-in-VAT-rates-and-other-economic- measures-announced (announcement & start date, information on the program). 225 https://jcconcursos.com.br/noticia/brasil/auxilio-brasil-de-marco-no-valor-de-r-400-sera-pago-partir-desta-sexta-18- . 226 92960 https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/politica/noticia/2022-05/bolsonaro-sanctions-permanent-brl-400-monthly- allowance 227 https://www.gov.br/cidadania/pt-br/noticias-e-conteudos/desenvolvimento-social/noticias-desenvolvimento- social/governo-federal-inicia-pagamento-do-auxilio-brasil-a-18-1-milhoes-de-familias-nesta-quarta-18.05 228 https://www.acheconcursos.com.br/beneficios-sociais/auxilio-brasil-inscricao-cadastro-unico-veja-como-fazer-49314 229 https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-insights/en/market-insights/videos/market-movers-americas/220404-us-oil-execs- in-hot-seat-over-pump-prices-steel-keeps-climbing 416 230 https://jcconcursos.com.br/noticia/brasil/auxilio-gasolina-autorizado-pagamento-de-r-100-para-quem-recebe-auxilio- brasil-92677 231 https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/economia/noticia/2022-01/aid-brazil-starts-be-paid-tuesday 232 https://www.acheconcursos.com.br/beneficios-sociais/vale-gas-de-120-tera-3-parcelas-veja-como-consultar-pelo-cpf- 54304. 233 https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/lei-n-14.237-de-19-de-novembro-de-2021-360896474 234 https://www.caixa.gov.br/programas-sociais/auxilio-gas/Paginas/default.aspx 235 https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-insights/en/market-insights/videos/market-movers-americas/220404-us-oil-execs- in-hot-seat-over-pump-prices-steel-keeps-climbing. 236 https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2022/06/15/camara-baja-de-brasil-aprueba-proyecto-de-ley-para-frenar-precios-de- combustibles/ 237 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/17417-brazil-to-suspend-tariff-on-ethanol- imports#:~:text=Brazil's%20Ministry%20of%20Economy%20announced,to%20reduce%20fuel%20prices%20domestically. 238 https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2022/06/15/camara-baja-de-brasil-aprueba-proyecto-de-ley-para-frenar-precios-de- combustibles/ 239 http://www.bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/customs-duties-imports-reduced-5-percent-3- months#:~:text=Fahie%20has%20announced%20that%20all,the%20people%20of%20the%20Territory; 240 https://bvinews.com/reduction-on-import-taxes-extended-for-three-months/https://bvinews.com/reduction-on-import- taxes-extended-for-three-months/ (extension) 241 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/europes-efforts-shield-households-energy-cost-spike-2022-03-21/ (expenditure) 242 https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/bulgaria-freezes-power-prices-households-until-end-march-2021-12-16/ 243 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 244 https://sofiaglobe.com/2022/05/18/bulgarias-ruling-majority-proposes-measures-to-counter-impact-of-inflation/ 245 https://sofiaglobe.com/2022/05/18/bulgarias-ruling-majority-proposes-measures-to-counter-impact-of-inflation/ (expenditure) 246 https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/bulgaria-adopts-large-scale-measures-to-tackle-record-inflation/ (coverage) 247 https://sofiaglobe.com/2022/05/18/bulgarias-ruling-majority-proposes-measures-to-counter-impact-of-inflation/ (transfer size) 248 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 249 https://www.orbitax.com/news/archive.php/Bulgaria-Enacts-Anti-Crisis-Pa-50301 250 https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/bulgaria-adopts-large-scale-measures-to-tackle-record-inflation/ 251 https://sofiaglobe.com/2022/05/18/bulgarias-ruling-majority-proposes-measures-to-counter-impact-of-inflation/ 252 https://www.orbitax.com/news/archive.php/Bulgaria-Enacts-Anti-Crisis-Pa-50301. 253 https://sofiaglobe.com/2022/05/18/bulgarias-ruling-majority-proposes-measures-to-counter-impact-of-inflation/ 254 https://sofiaglobe.com/2022/05/18/bulgarias-ruling-majority-proposes-measures-to-counter-impact-of-inflation/ 255 https://www.orbitax.com/news/archive.php/Bulgaria-Enacts-Anti-Crisis-Pa-50301 256 clxii https://libreinfo.net/burkina-faso-des-difficultes-dans-la-subvention-du-ble-et-des-hydrocarbures/ 257 https://libreinfo.net/burkina-faso-des-difficultes-dans-la-subvention-du-ble-et-des-hydrocarbures/ 258 WB operation 259 https://www.fao.org/giews/food-prices/food-policies/detail/en/c/1492066/ 260 http://www.businessghana.com/site/news/general/260507/Govt-restricts-maize%2C-soya-beans-exports 261 https://www.journalducameroun.com/cameroun-face-a-la-flambee-des-prix-le-gouvernement-propose-la-tontine/ 262 https://www.businessincameroon.com/energy/2907-12709-cameroon-fuel-subsidies-could-finally-exceed-cfa780-billion- in-2022 263 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https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/03/23/quebec-to-give-residents-500-to-help-fight-inflation-how-would- ontarians-spend-that-money.html 272 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-providing-13-million-rising-fuel-costs-1.6396423 273 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-providing-13-million-rising-fuel-costs-1.6396423 274 https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2022/06/deputy-prime-minister-outlines-governments-affordability- plan-for-canadians.html 275 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/emergency-heating-grant-seniors-aid-inflation-1.6535235 276 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-providing-13-million-rising-fuel-costs-1.6396423 277 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-providing-13-million-rising-fuel-costs-1.6396423 278 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/minimum-wage-increase-bc- 1.6384906#:~:text=The%20British%20Columbia%20government%20is,minimum%20wage%20of%20any%20province 279 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gasoline/#:~:text=13%2FX%2F2022%2C%20the,gasoline%20from%2020%25%20to%2010%25 289 https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-international/cabo-verde-gazettes-law-reducing-ice-rates-due-to-war 290 https://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/afw-six-charts-understand-chads-food-security- crisis#:~:text=The%20government%20forecasts%20a%20291%2C000,Humanitarian%20Response%20Plan%20in%202022 . 291 https://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/chile-las-medidas-con-las-que-boric-busca-frenar-la-inflacion-669375 292 https://www.gob.cl/chileapoya/ 293 https://dos.gob.cl/chile-apoya-gobierno-presento-plan-de-recuperacion-inclusiva-para-apoyar-a-grupos-afectados-por-la- pandemia/ 294 https://www.gob.cl/noticias/chile-apoya-a-los-y-las-trabajadoras-anunciamos-el-aumento-del-sueldo-minimo-y-un- beneficio-para-compensar-el-alza-de-los-alimentos/ 295 https://www.minsal.cl/gobierno-acuerda-salario-minimo-y-canasta-basica-protegida/ 296 https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2022/07/12/bono-chile-apoya-de-invierno-cuanto-dinero-se-pagara-quienes-y-cuando-lo- recibiran-orix/ 297 https://www.gob.cl/chileapoya/ 298 https://www.gob.cl/noticias/chile-apoya-a-los-y-las-trabajadoras-anunciamos-el-aumento-del-sueldo-minimo-y-un- beneficio-para-compensar-el-alza-de-los-alimentos/ 299 https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/econographics/putins-invasion-of-ukraine-could-spark-a-global-food-crisis/ 300 https://www.reuters.com/business/china-ensure-agricultural-product-supplies-including-grains-2022-03-05/ 301 https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3178695/china-pledges-us15b-grain-farmer-subsidies-offset-soaring 302 https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3176276/electric-cars-chinas-ev-buyers-may-receive-cash- subsidies?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article&campaign=3176276 303 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-02/beijing-plans-subsidies-for-ev-buyers-to-boost-covid-hit- economy 304 http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/2480148/3946909/index.html 305 https://www.piie.com/blogs/realtime-economic-issues-watch/chinas-recent-trade-moves-create-outsize-problems- everyone- 418 else#:~:text=China's%20Fertilizer%20Export%20Restrictions&text=In%20July%2C%20it%20ordered%20major,customs% 20mandated%20dubious%20additional%20inspections. 306 https://www.larepublica.co/economia/minenergia-ha-girado-600000-millones-en-subsidios-a-la-tarifa-de-energia-en- 2022- 3316275#:~:text=%22S%C3%B3lo%20en%20los%20dos%20primeros,Minas%20y%20Energ%C3%ADa%2C%20Diego% 20Mesa. 307 https://www.semana.com/economia/empresas/articulo/este-ano-se-han-entregado-mas-de-600-mil-millones-en-subsidios- a-la-tarifa-de-energia/202225/ 308 https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/Colombia-pone-fin-a-los-subsidios-para-el-precio-de-la-gasolina- 20220615-0119.html 309 https://www.minhacienda.gov.co/webcenter/ShowProperty?nodeId=%2FConexionContent%2FWCC_CLUSTER- 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http://apanews.net/en/news/cdivoire-provides-cfa500-bln-subsidy-to-control-fuel-inflation/ 320 https://www.gouv.ci/_actualite-article.php?recordID=13241 321 https://www.gouv.ci/_actualite-article.php?recordID=13241 322 https://www.afrique-sur7.ci/485567-cherte-vie-cote-divoire-vivrier 323 https://www.gouv.ci/_actualite-article.php?recordID=13241 324 https://vlada.gov.hr/news/coric-new-govt-directive-abolishing-fuel-mixing-mandate/35070 325 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ 326 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ 327 https://www.minhacienda.gov.co/webcenter/ShowProperty?nodeId=%2FConexionContent%2FWCC_CLUSTER- 197963%2F%2FidcPrimaryFile&revision=latestreleased 328 https://vlada.gov.hr/news/gov-t-locks-margin-on-petroleum-products-temporarily-reduces-fuel-excise-duties/35024 329 https://www.minhacienda.gov.co/webcenter/ShowProperty?nodeId=%2FConexionContent%2FWCC_CLUSTER- 197963%2F%2FidcPrimaryFile&revision=latestreleased 330 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 331 https://vlada.gov.hr/news/measures-to-mitigate-impact-of-energy-prices-enter-into-force-on-1-april/35158 332 https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/energie-so-gehen-europaeische-laender-gegen-hohe-energiepreise-vor-dpa.urn- newsml-dpa-com-20090101-220425-99-31784 333 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 334 https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/subsidies-on-gasoline-petrol-and-diesel-will-remain-for-another-three- months/ 335 https://www.thenationalherald.com/cyprus-offers-subsidy-for-homeowners-installing-solar-panels/ 336 https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/07/28/cyprus-to-absorb-new-energy-bill-hikes-finance-minister/ 337 https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1182884/cypriots-to-get-green-energy-subsidies/ 338 https://echo24.cz/a/S7gmZ/energeticke-tsunami-muze-dojit-ke-zastropovani-cen-energii-i-pohonnych-hmot-prohlasil- jurecka 339 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 340 https://echo24.cz/a/S7gmZ/energeticke-tsunami-muze-dojit-ke-zastropovani-cen-energii-i-pohonnych-hmot-prohlasil- jurecka 419 341 https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/economy-and-ecology/how-european-countries-are-dealing-with-the-rising-inflation- 6105/ 342 https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/economy-and-ecology/how-european-countries-are-dealing-with-the-rising-inflation- 6105/ 343 https://tekdeeps.com/starting-today-families-can-apply-for-czk-5000-per-child-online-or-at-czech-points/ (coverage, expenditure, benefit size, duration) 344 https://echo24.cz/a/S7gmZ/energeticke-tsunami-muze-dojit-ke-zastropovani-cen-energii-i-pohonnych-hmot-prohlasil- jurecka 345 https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/energie-so-gehen-europaeische-laender-gegen-hohe-energiepreise-vor-dpa.urn- newsml-dpa-com-20090101-220425-99-31784 346 https://echo24.cz/a/S7gmZ/energeticke-tsunami-muze-dojit-ke-zastropovani-cen-energii-i-pohonnych-hmot-prohlasil- jurecka. 347 https://english.radio.cz/government-approves-reduction-excise-duties-petrol-and-diesel-8747020 348 https://www.thelocal.com/20220330/denmark-boosts-heating-bill-help-and-will-give-it-to-more-households/ 349 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 350 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/danish-lawmakers-agree-cash-handout-elderly-offset-inflation-2022-06-24/ 351 https://english.news.cn/20220625/d658ba044411413aa650d17c9d353ddf/c.html 352 https://www.adi.dj/index.php/site/Plus/9637 353 https://africa24tv.com/djibouti-une-subvention-sur-les-produits-de-premiere-necessite-annoncee/ 354 https://www.adi.dj/index.php/site/Plus/9637 355 https://africa24tv.com/djibouti-une-subvention-sur-les-produits-de-premiere-necessite-annoncee/ 356 https://wicnews.com/caribbean/dominica/pm-roosevelt-skerrit-announced-major-relief-in-dominica-budget-2022- 543743656/ 357 https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/bb/pdf/2022/07/KPMG%20Dominica%20Budget%20Commentary%202022.pdf 358 https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias/presidente-abinader-anuncia-medidas-para-estabilizar-el-precio-de-los-combustibles- y-de-la 359 https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias/presidente-abinader-anuncia-medidas-para-estabilizar-el-precio-de-los-combustibles- y-de-la 360 https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias/presidente-abinader-asegura-programas-sociales-del-gobierno-son-mayores-que-antes 361 https://www.superate.gob.do/noticias/presidente-abinader-anuncio-ampliacion-de-los-subsidios-sociales-del-programa- superate/ (horizontal increase, benefit size) 362 https://www.superate.gob.do/noticias/gloria-reyes-dice-400-mil-personas-seran-beneficiadas-con-el-aumento-del- subsidio-bonogas-hogar/ 363 https://www.superate.gob.do/noticias/presidente-abinader-anuncio-ampliacion-de-los-subsidios-sociales-del-programa- superate/ 364 https://www.superate.gob.do/ 365 https://www.americaeconomia.com/economia-mercados/ecuador-anuncia-bandas-para-precios-de-combustible-y-mas- recorte-de-gasto-publico 366 https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/2/463371/Egypt/Society/Egypt%E2%80%99s-Armed-Forces-offers- lowcost-food-commoditi.aspx 367 https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/03/egypt-institutes-price-controls-bread 368 https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/egypt/2022/03/27/egypt-to-launch-goods-exhibitions-with-reduced-prices- before-the-holy-month/ 369 https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/463245/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-is-capable-of-controlling-price-hike- crisis,.aspx 370 https://www.presidency.eg/en/%D9%82%D8%B3%D9%85- %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1- %D8%B1%D8%A6%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3- %D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AD- %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B3%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B9- %D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3- %D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%88%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF- %D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-26-07-2022/ 420 371 https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/2/472228/Egypt/Society/Egypt%E2%80%99s-NACDW-allocates-EGP-- billion-to-help-,-fam.aspx 372 https://www.presidency.eg/en/%D9%82%D8%B3%D9%85- %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1- %D8%B1%D8%A6%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3- %D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AD- %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B3%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B9- %D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3- %D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%88%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF- %D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-26-07-2022/ 373 https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/463245/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-is-capable-of-controlling-price-hike- crisis,.aspx 374 https://www.presidency.eg/en/%D9%82%D8%B3%D9%85- %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1- %D8%B1%D8%A6%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3- %D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AD- %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B3%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B9- %D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3- %D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%88%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF- %D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-26-07-2022/ 375 https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/egypt-bans-export-of-some-staples-including-wheat-for-three-months 376 https://www.reuters.com/article/egypt-commodities-exports/egypt-extends-ban-on-staples-including- 377 https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3527116/egypt-bans-exports-vegetable-oil-and-corn-3-months 378 https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/463245/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-is-capable-of-controlling-price-hike- crisis,.aspx 379 https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/El-Salvador-fija-el-precio-m-ximo-de-los-17057807.php 380 https://www.americaeconomia.com/economia-mercados/presidente-bukele-propone-un-aumento-del-salario-minimo-del- 20-en-el-salvador 381 https://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/negocios/crisis-economica-gasolina-petroleo-bukele/935383/2022/ 382 https://sudantribune.com/article9727/ 383 https://news.err.ee/1608617119/june-12-deadline-for-tallinn-energy-subsidies-applications 384 https://arileht.delfi.ee/artikkel/94859291/madala-sissetulekuga-isikuile-huvitatakse-elektri-hinnatous-tagasiulatuvalt- koigile-tarbijatele-langetatakse-vorgutasusid 385 https://www.valitsus.ee/en/news/government-approved-additional-energy-price-support-measures 386 https://news.err.ee/1608570223/estonia-has-paid-out-170-million-in-compensation-for-high-energy-prices 387 https://news.err.ee/1608617119/june-12-deadline-for-tallinn-energy-subsidies-applications 388 https://news.err.ee/1608617119/june-12-deadline-for-tallinn-energy-subsidies-applications 389 https://www.gov.sz/index.php/component/content/category/126-agriculture?Itemid=799 390 https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=The%20Ethiopian%20Govern ment%20Lifts%20Foreign%20Exchange%20Permit%20Requirements%20for%20Food%20Commodity%20Imports%20thr ough%20Franco-Valuta%20_Addis%20Ababa_Ethiopia_ET2022-0016.pdf 391 https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=The%20Ethiopian%20Govern ment%20Lifts%20Foreign%20Exchange%20Permit%20Requirements%20for%20Food%20Commodity%20Imports%20thr 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https://www.ouest-france.fr/economie/transports/carburants-essence-diesel/video-comment-fonctionne-la-remise-de-18- centimes-a-la-pompe-5a469d83-b16a-4031-93ec-5e9d83d8ba4e 400 https://www-ouest--france-fr.translate.goog/economie/transports/carburants-essence-diesel/prix-des-carburants-un- dispositif-cible-remplacera-la-remise-de-18-centimes-a-l-ete-dit-le-maire-3aaea6b4-c477-11ec-9bac- e092504fc1fc?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 401 https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220804-french-mps-approve-20-billion-euro-package-to-help-with-soaring- inflation 402 https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2022-03-16/france-unveiling-aid-to-counter-ukraine-war-economic- fallout 403 https://www.gouvernement.fr/discours/12743-discours-du-premier-ministre-jean-castex-plan-de-resilience-economique- et-sociale 404 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/global-fuel-subsidies-ramped-up-counter-energy-price-spike-2022-03-17/ 405 https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220804-french-mps-approve-20-billion-euro-package-to-help-with-soaring- inflation 406 https://agriculture.gouv.fr/crise-en-ukraine-les-mesures-agricoles-et-agroalimentaires-du-plan-de-resilience-economique- et 407 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ 408 https://www-vie--publique-fr.translate.goog/discours/285112-conseil-ministres-11052022-protection-du-pouvoir-d-achat- des-francais?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 409 https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2022/07/08/mitigating-inflation-french-government-releases-an-additional-20- billion_5989478_5.html 410 https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220804-french-mps-approve-20-billion-euro-package-to-help-with-soaring- inflation 411 https://www-lesechos-fr.translate.goog/economie-france/social/la-revalorisation-des-prestations-sociales-a-la-remorque- 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https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220804-french-mps-approve-20-billion-euro-package-to-help-with-soaring- inflation 419 https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2022/07/08/mitigating-inflation-french-government-releases-an-additional-20- billion_5989478_5.html 420 https://www-lesechos-fr.translate.goog/economie-france/social/la-revalorisation-des-prestations-sociales-a-la-remorque- de-linflation-1397722?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 421 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ 422 https://www.gouvernement.fr/discours/12743-discours-du-premier-ministre-jean-castex-plan-de-resilience-economique- et-sociale 423 https://www.fxempire.com/news/article/frances-macron-mulls-food-stamps-to-help-poor-households-cope-with-ukraine- war-fallout-943459 424 https://www.linternaute.com/argent/guide-de-vos-finances/2536760-cheque-alimentaire-annonce-avec-le-projet-de-loi- pouvoir-d-achat-quelle-date/ 425 https://www-challenges-fr.translate.goog/economie/l-inflation-alimentaire-va-couter-224-aux-francais-que-prevoit-l- executif_814582?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 422 426 https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220804-french-mps-approve-20-billion-euro-package-to-help-with-soaring- inflation 427 https://www-vie--publique-fr.translate.goog/discours/285112-conseil-ministres-11052022-protection-du-pouvoir-d-achat- des-francais?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 428 https://www-vie--publique-fr.translate.goog/discours/285112-conseil-ministres-11052022-protection-du-pouvoir-d-achat- des-francais?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 429 https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2022/07/08/mitigating-inflation-french-government-releases-an-additional-20- billion_5989478_5.html 430 https://www.infobae.com/en/2022/03/15/the-salary-of-french-officials-will-rise-to-compensate-for-inflation/ 431 https://www.globalgovernmentforum.com/french-civil-servants-set-for-salary-review-after-macron-win-and-australian- officials-may-be-next-for-post-election-rise-management-workforce-news-in-brief/ 432 https://www.globalgovernmentforum.com/french-civil-servants-set-for-salary-review-after-macron-win-and-australian- officials-may-be-next-for-post-election-rise-management-workforce-news-in-brief/ 433 https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2022/07/08/mitigating-inflation-french-government-releases-an-additional-20- billion_5989478_5.html 434 https://www-vie--publique-fr.translate.goog/discours/285112-conseil-ministres-11052022-protection-du-pouvoir-d-achat- des-francais?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 435 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/global-fuel-subsidies-ramped-up-counter-energy-price-spike-2022-03-17/ 436 https://www.gouvernement.fr/partage/12743-discours-du-premier-ministre-jean-castex-plan-de-resilience-economique-et- sociale 437 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ 438 https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/fiscalite-des-energies#scroll-nav__1 439 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ 440 https://www-vie--publique-fr.translate.goog/discours/285112-conseil-ministres-11052022-protection-du-pouvoir-d-achat- des-francais?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 441 https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20220406-gabon-le-gouvernement-prend-des-mesures-pour-%C3%A9viter-une- flamb%C3%A9e-des-prix 442 https://www.lenouveaugabon.com/fr/gestion-publique/0504-18276-vie-chere-ali-bongo-instruit-le-gouvernement-de- stabiliser-le-prix-du-pain-et-du-carburant-a-la-pompe 443 https://fr.infosgabon.com/gabon-des-mesures-pour-juguler-la-flambee-des-prix/ 444 http://french.news.cn/afrique/2022-03/19/c_1310520193.htm 445 https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/govt-reduces-fertiliser-price-from-d2500-to-d2000 446 https://www.mk.ru/politics/2022/06/28/gruziya-zapretila-eksport-pshenicy-i-yachmenya.html 447 At the time of writing, the German governoment announced new support package that will be included in the next version: https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-government-agrees-on-65-billion-relief-package-amid-soaring-energy-prices/a- 63013937 448 https://www.dw.com/en/germany-unveils-measures-to-tackle-high-energy-prices/a-61243572 449 https://publicnewstime.com/travel/when-will-germany-introduce-the-e9-monthly-travel-ticket/ 450 https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/german-expat-news/whats-plan-germanys-9-euro-monthly-public-transport- ticket%E2%80%8E 451 https://www.dw.com/en/germany-unveils-measures-to-tackle-high-energy-prices/a-61243572 452 https://publicnewstime.com/travel/when-will-germany-introduce-the-e9-monthly-travel-ticket/ 453 https://www.thelocal.de/20220822/what-you-need-to-know-about-germanys-e300-energy-relief-payout/ 454 https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/eu-seeks-energy-price-busting-strategy-amid-ukraine-crisis-172321 455 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jan/31/as-uk-households-feel-pressure-how-are-other-european-economies- tackling-energy-crisis 456 https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AMO_United_in_diversity.pdf 457 https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AMO_United_in_diversity.pdf 458 https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AMO_United_in_diversity.pdf 459 https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2022-05-23/germany-tax-relief-measures-adopted-to-offset-high-energy- costs-due-to-war-in-ukraine/ 460 https://www.dw.com/en/germany-set-for-bumper-pension-hike-amid-inflation-surge/a-61464038 461 https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2022-05-23/germany-tax-relief-measures-adopted-to-offset-high-energy- costs-due-to-war-in-ukraine/ 423 462 https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AMO_United_in_diversity.pdf 463 https://germantaxes.de/tax-tips/tax-reliefs-2022/ 464 https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2022/08/10/germans-to-get-10-billion-for-inflation-relief_5993105_19.html 465 https://www.dw.com/en/germany-unveils-measures-to-tackle-high-energy-prices/a-61243572 466 https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/suche/eeg-umlage-1754214 467 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 468 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jan/31/as-uk-households-feel-pressure-how-are-other-european-economies- tackling-energy-crisis 469 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-18/germany-cuts-sales-tax-on-gas-to-ease-burden-from-soaring- costs#xj4y7vzkg 470 http://www.businessghana.com/site/news/general/260507/Govt-restricts-maize%2C-soya-beans-exports 471 https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Government-extends-ban-on-exportation-of-rice-maize- soybeans-1541141 472 https://www.myjoyonline.com/the-broken-chain-trade-and-industry-ministry-extends-ban-on-exportation-of-soya-bean- other-grains/ 473 https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4553175 474 https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/ghana-and-uganda-ban-grain-and-food- exports/article65469985.ece#:~:text=The%20Ghanian%20government%20has%20extended,local%20poultry%20and%20li vestock%20production. 475 https://greekreporter.com/2022/05/05/consumers-greece-60-rebate-electricity-bills/ 476 https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/05/06/greece-energy-subsidies 477 https://greekreporter.com/2022/05/05/consumers-greece-60-rebate-electricity-bills/ 478 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ 479 https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/energie-so-gehen-europaeische-laender-gegen-hohe-energiepreise-vor-dpa.urn- newsml-dpa-com-20090101-220425-99-31784 480 https://en.rua.gr/2022/04/11/who-will-be-the-first-to-receive-200-euros-by-easter/ 481 https://news.gtp.gr/2022/03/17/greece-announces-relief-measures-to-tackle-energy-crisis/ 482 https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/04/29/cyprus-launches-pv-battery-funding-scheme-as-greece-turns-to-gas/ 483 https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1183307/online-platform-for-fuel-subsidy-now-open/ 484 https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2022/06/21/fuel-pass-2-greece-3-months-islands-platform-opening/ 485 https://english.news.cn/20220317/2388d2656a9f46f28d7c30621a68e892/c.html 486 https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/grenada-pm-ec15-cap-gas-price-remains-place-now 487 https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2022/04/04/publican-reglamento-del-subsidio-a-la-gasolina-regular-y-diesel-en- guatemala/ 488 https://mem.gob.gt/blog/gobierno-propone-aumentar-y-ampliar-el-apoyo-economico-temporal-a-los-combustibles/ 489 https://www.congreso.gob.gt/noticias_congreso/8433/2022/4#:~:text=La%20nueva%20normativa%20aprueba%20una,ay uda%20al%20gal%C3%B3n%20de%20di%C3%A9sel. 490 https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2022/04/04/publican-reglamento-del-subsidio-a-la-gasolina-regular-y-diesel-en- guatemala/ 491 https://guineematin.com/2022/03/25/guinee-le-gouvernement-annonce-la-baisse-des-prix-des-denrees-de-premiere- necessite/ 492 http://www.faapa.info/en/2022/03/26/guinee-economie-les-prix-de-certaines-denrees-fixes-par-le-gouvernement/ 493 https://www.africaguinee.com/articles/2022/03/25/assises-prix-des-denrees-loyer-le-gouvernement-prend-des-mesures- fortes 494 https://actuguinee.org/index.php/2022/03/25/la-stabilite-des-prix-de-leau-de-lelectricite-lavance-sur-le-loyer-fixe-a-trois- mois-decisions-du-conseil-des-ministres/ 495 https://www.africaguinee.com/articles/2022/03/25/assises-prix-des-denrees-loyer-le-gouvernement-prend-des-mesures- fortes 496 https://www.africaguinee.com/articles/2022/03/25/assises-prix-des-denrees-loyer-le-gouvernement-prend-des-mesures- fortes 497 https://www.dw.com/pt-002/governo-da-guin%C3%A9-bissau-aumenta-pre%C3%A7o-dos-combust%C3%ADveis/a- 61553083 498 https://dpi.gov.gy/president-ali-announces-800m-in-cash-grants-1b-in-fertiliser-for-farmers-among-new-relief-measures/ 499 https://dpi.gov.gy/govt-interventions-providing-relief-for-vulnerable-groups-amid-rising-cost-of-living/ 424 500 https://dpi.gov.gy/president-ali-announces-800m-in-cash-grants-1b-in-fertiliser-for-farmers-among-new-relief-measures/ 501 https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/guyana-removes-excise-tax-fuel 502 https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2022/03/15/honduras-implementara-subsidio-de-50-por-ciento-al-costo-del-diesel 503 https://tnh.gob.hn/gobierno/considerando-el-bolsillo-de-los-hondurenos-gobierno-de-xiomara-castro-aplica-subsidio-a- los-combustibles/ 504 https://tnh.gob.hn/gobierno/considerando-el-bolsillo-de-los-hondurenos-gobierno-de-xiomara-castro-aplica-subsidio-a- los-combustibles/ 505 https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3172439/hong-kong-households-get-hk1000-electricity-subsidy- june 506 https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/190355/New-round-of-HK$1,000-electricity-subsidy-benefits- 2.8m-households 507 https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3173384/coronavirus-hong-kong-government- spend-additional 508 https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=74fefe15-af7d-4747-9cc4-cd20fdf42cd2 509 https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/hong-kong-s-temporary-unemployment-relief-scheme-concludes 510 https://www.ft.com/content/d0cfae8c-9007-4ece-a7b9-f369b6d3294b 511 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungary-extend-fuel-price-cap-beyond-april-3-vote-orban-says-2022-02-12/ 512 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/war-driven-price-surge-undermines-orbans-low-cost-energy-policy-2022-03-18/ 513 https://apnews.com/article/business-hungary-europe-consumer-prices-viktor-orban- 1f4a00316ed0707d97a3187275add503 514 https://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-hungary-grains-idAFL5N2V75IT 515 https://www.ruv.is/frett/2022/05/09/anti-inflation-aid-package-announced 516 https://island.is/en/housing-benefits 517 https://www.ruv.is/frett/2022/05/09/anti-inflation-aid-package-announced 518 https://www.ruv.is/frett/2022/05/09/anti-inflation-aid-package-announced 519 https://www.indiaspend.com/explainers/the-case-for-food-subsidies-in-india- 806393#:~:text=For%202022%2D23%2C%20the%20Centre,in%20charge%20of%20the%20PDS. 520 https://www.cnbctv18.com/economy/explained-indias-fertiliser-crisis-propelled-by-russia-ukraine-war-what-is-fertiliser- subsidy-12852532.htm 521 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-14/india-says-wheat-exports-prohibited-with-immediate-effect 522 https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/25/business/india-sugar-export-restrictions-food-prices/index.html 523 https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-restricts-wheat-flour-exports-2022-07-07/ 524 https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/govt-puts-restrictions-on-export-of-wheat-flour-amid-rising- prices-122082500710_1.html 525 https://www.ndtv.com/business/petrol-and-diesel-prices-today-march-16-2022-fuel-rates-remain-unchanged-across- metros-see-rates-2825591 526 https://www.ndtv.com/business/petrol-and-diesel-prices-today-march-16-2022-fuel-rates-remain-unchanged-across- metros-see-rates-2825591 527 https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-govt-asks-parliament-24-bln-additional-energy-subsidies-2022-05- 19/ 528 https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-govt-asks-parliament-24-bln-additional-energy-subsidies-2022-05- 19/ 529 https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2022/04/05/govt-launches-cash-transfer-scheme-for-cooking-oil.html 530 https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Markets/Commodities/Indonesia-slaps-ban-on-palm-oil-exports 531 https://www.tralac.org/blog/article/15613-zimbabwe-s-latest-trade-policy-pronouncements-government-suspends-import- duties-and-removes-import-licenses-on-basic- commodities.html#:~:text=On%20the%2017th%20of%20May,on%20importation%20of%20basic%20commodities. 532 https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/indonesia-ministry-hold-briefing-lifting-palm-oil-export-ban-2022-05-20/ 533 https://www.iranintl.com/en/202205106700 534 https://www.cms-lawnow.com/ealerts/2022/04/lower-vat-rates-on-selected-goods-and-services-from-1-april-2022 535 https://moj.gov.iq/upload/pdf/4681.pdf 536 https://moj.gov.iq/upload/pdf/4681.pdf 537 https://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2022/03/10/iraq-to-temporarily-suspend-protectionist-measures/ (import easing) 425 538 https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/iraq-prohibited-and-restricted-imports (import restriction info) 539 https://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2022/03/10/iraq-to-temporarily-suspend-protectionist-measures/ 540 https://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2022/03/17/iraq-extends-suspension-of-customs-duties-on-some-goods/ (duration extension) 541 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ (expenditure, benefit size) 542 https://www.cru.ie/government-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme-faqs/#my-account-is-currently-paid-up-to- date-or-in-credit-how-can-i-access-the-government-credit (coverage, benefit size, and all other details) 543 https://www.electricireland.ie/residential/help/billing/government-electricity-credit (coverage, benefit size, and all other details) 544 https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2022-04- 27/33/#:~:text=This%20will%20be%20reduced%20to,Government%20provided%20for%20in%20March. 545 https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2022-04- 27/33/#:~:text=This%20will%20be%20reduced%20to,Government%20provided%20for%20in%20March. 546 https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/07/israeli-government-retreats-bread-price-controls 547 https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-liberman-cuts-excise-tax-on-fuel-1001408212 (original announcement) 548 https://www.timesofisrael.com/gas-prices-to-drop-significantly-at-midnight-due-to-tax-breaks-lower-price-of-oil/ (extension with vertical increase; duration) 549 https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/bonus-energia-lazio-e-sconto-carburante-friuli-aiuti-regionali-contro-caro-prezzi- AELY7bNB?refresh_ce=1 550 https://www.tag24.it/302021-nel-lazio-bonus-energia-da-300-euro-contro-il-caro-bollette/ 551 https://www.ansa.it/canale_motori/notizie/attualita/2022/05/27/benzina-regione-fvg-confermato-super-sconto-fino-al-30- giugno_7126fa87-4d16-4cc1-99a0-a7cccef15e47.html 552 https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/bonus-energia-lazio-e-sconto-carburante-friuli-aiuti-regionali-contro-caro-prezzi- AELY7bNB?refresh_ce=1 (benefit size, duration) 553 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices (coverage) 554 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices (expenditure) 555 https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/comunicato-stampa-del-consiglio-dei-ministri-n-68/19432 556 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ (for extension) 557 https://www.key4biz.it/bonus-luce-e-gas-2022-come-effettuare-la-richiesta-e-requisiti/400210/ (informs about extension, vertical and horizontal expansion) 558 https://www.confcommercio.it/-/bonus-luce-gas (for coverage) 559 https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/bollette-tutti-aiuti-chi-ha-isee-fino-12mila-euro-AEdI9FMB (expenditure, coverage) 560 https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/comunicato-stampa-del-consiglio-dei-ministri-n-68/19432 561 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ (for extension) 562 https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/bollette-tutti-aiuti-chi-ha-isee-fino-12mila-euro-AEdI9FMB (for coverage and financing) 563 https://www.key4biz.it/bonus-luce-e-gas-2022-come-effettuare-la-richiesta-e-requisiti/400210/ 564 https://www.confcommercio.it/-/bonus-luce-gas 565 https://www.lavoro.gov.it/notizie/Pagine/Decreto-Aiuti-bis-ulteriori-misure-in-favore-di-lavoratori-imprese-e- famiglie.aspx 566 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices (benefit size, duration, coverage, expenditure) 567 https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/decreto-aiuti-bis-c-e-firma-mattarella-ecco-novita-AEHVcIsB?refresh_ce=1 (coverage update) 568 https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/comunicato-stampa-del-consiglio-dei-ministri-n-68/19432 (benefit size, duration) 569 https://www.altroconsumo.it/auto-e-moto/automobili/news/bonus-benzina 570 https://www.unobravo.com/post/bonus-psicologo?gclid=CjwKCAjwpKyYBhB7EiwAU2Hn2YWbmMp7iWfs1nUSP4- UzvvAputpnb_8O9-cjKIRmWcnuyj_SgGmbxoCM0EQAvD_BwE 571 https://www.corriere.it/economia/consumi/cards/decreto-aiuti-bis-14-miliardi-taglio-cuneo-bollette-pensioni- misure/bonus-psicologo.shtml 572 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 426 573 https://www.lavoro.gov.it/notizie/Pagine/Decreto-Aiuti-bis-ulteriori-misure-in-favore-di-lavoratori-imprese-e- famiglie.aspx 574 https://www.lavoro.gov.it/notizie/Pagine/Decreto-Aiuti-bis-ulteriori-misure-in-favore-di-lavoratori-imprese-e- famiglie.aspx 575 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 576 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 577 https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/comunicato-stampa-del-consiglio-dei-ministri-n-68/19432 578 https://www.leggioggi.it/2022/03/22/decreto-taglia-prezzi-sconti-benzina-e-bollette/ 579 https://www.informazionefiscale.it/Accise-carburante-riduzione-prezzo-benzina-gasolio-proroga-8-luglio-2022 580 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 581 https://www.bruegel.org/publications/datasets/national-policies-to-shield-consumers-from-rising-energy-prices/ 582 https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/govt-provide-20-cent-subsidy-nearly-460000-jps-customers 583 https://jis.gov.jm/features/govt-ramping-up-social-pension-programme-beneficiaries/ 584 https://opm.gov.jm/news/government-providing-targeted-support-to-jamaicans-who-need-it/ 585 https://www.arabnews.jp/en/business/article_75138/ 586 https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2022-04-20/japan-raises-gasoline-subsidy-to-maximum-of-25-yen- per-litre 587 https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220427/p2a/00m/0op/016000c (expenditure info) 588 https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/japan-oks-21b-extra-budget-tackle-rising-prices-85083936 589 https://www.reuters.com/article/japan-economy-measures/japan-readies-48-billion-package-to-help-with-fuel-and- materials-cost-spikes-idUSKCN2MH06B 590 https://alsaa.net/article/210840/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A9- %D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%B5%D8%B5-25-%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86 (expenditure, expenditure) 591 https://alrai.com/article/10739504/%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA/%D8%B5%D9%86%D8 %AF%D9%88%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A9- %D9%8A%D9%83%D8%B4%D9%81-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%B5%D8%B1%D9%81- %D8%AF%D8%B9%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA- %D9%88%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%86%D8%B5%D9%8A%D8%A8- %D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AF (benefit size) 592 https://royanews.tv/news/283768 (duration, frequency); 593 https://jordantimes.com/news/local/govt-maintains-ban-specific-food-commodities-export-re-export 594 https://www.npr.org/2022/01/08/1071198056/theres-chaos-in-kazakhstan-heres-what-you-need-to-know; https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59896471 595 https://el.kz/en/news/news/how_kazakhstan_plans_to_stabilize_prices_for_goods_and_services/ (extension info) 596 https://www.fao.org/giews/food-prices/food-policies/detail/en/c/1505413/ (initial policy) 597 https://www.fao.org/giews/food-prices/food-policies/detail/en/c/1505413/ (extension) 598 https://primeminister.kz/en/news/v-celyah-stabilizacii-cen-na-hleb-s-yanvarya-2022-goda-vvoditsya-subsidirovanie- stoimosti-zerna-minselhoz-120243 (initial policy) 599 https://grainunion.kz/en/article/2323 (extension) 600 https://www.apk-inform.com/en/news/1525972 601 https://www.niusdiario.es/internacional/europa/kazajistan-prohibira-exportacion-azucar-guerra- ucrania_18_3329295102.html 602 https://www.euromeatnews.com/Article-Kazakhstan-bans-livestock-exports-to-stabilize-the-domestic-meat-market/5177 603 https://primeminister.kz/en/news/v-celyah-stabilizacii-cen-na-hleb-s-yanvarya-2022-goda-vvoditsya-subsidirovanie- stoimosti-zerna-minselhoz-120243 (duration) 604 https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9403920/kazakhstan-lifts-ban-on-potato-and-carrot-export-but-introduces-quotas 605 https://www.tridge.com/news/kazakhstan-lifts-ban-on-potato-and-carrot-exports- 606 https://min.news/en/world/d5d282663f1074ea8ddb6dba29481959.html (duration) 607 https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-will-pay-fuel-subsidies-to-offset-shortage-fears/a-61357640 608 https://www.president.go.ke/2022/07/20/statement-by-h-e-hon-uhuru-kenyatta-cgh-president-of-the-republic-of-kenya- on-the-5th-stimulus-package-focusing-on-food-subsidies-on-wednesday-20th-july-2022-at-state-house-nairobi/ 609 https://www.foodbusinessafrica.com/kenyan-government-launches-ksh-8b-national-maize-flour-subsidy-programme/ (duration, expenditure) 427 610 https://kilimonews.co.ke/general-news/government-releases-subsidized-fertilizer/ (announcement date, initial exenditure); 611 https://www.president.go.ke/2022/07/20/statement-by-h-e-hon-uhuru-kenyatta-cgh-president-of-the-republic-of-kenya- on-the-5th-stimulus-package-focusing-on-food-subsidies-on-wednesday-20th-july-2022-at-state-house-nairobi/ (benefits of measures) 612 https://www.president.go.ke/2022/07/20/statement-by-h-e-hon-uhuru-kenyatta-cgh-president-of-the-republic-of-kenya- on-the-5th-stimulus-package-focusing-on-food-subsidies-on-wednesday-20th-july-2022-at-state-house-nairobi/ 613 https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/kosovo-to-ban-certain-food-exports-amid-food-security-crisis/ 614 https://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/3-kgs-of-chicken-per- person/#:~:text=KUWAIT%20CITY%2C%20May%2025%3A%20The,be%203%20kgs%20per%20person. 615 https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/18/economies-banning-food-exports-amid-rising-prices-inflation.html (end date and info on ban items) 616 https://www.skynewsarabia.com/business/1509320-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%AA- %D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B8%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%B1- %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%AA- %D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A9- %D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%A8 (more detail, announcement date) 617 https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/kuwait-to-ban-exporting-frozen-chicken-to-maintain-price-stability- minister (announcement date) 618 https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/18/economies-banning-food-exports-amid-rising-prices-inflation.html (end date and info on ban items) 619 https://www.globaltradealert.org/intervention/102808/export-ban/kyrgyzstan-temporary-export-ban-on-certain-mineral- fertilizers 620 https://www.barrons.com/news/kyrgyzstan-follows-kazakhstan-with-six-month-sugar-export-ban-01654086307?tesla=y 621 https://www.apk-inform.com/en/news/1509325 622 http://m.oananews.org/news.php?id=625604 623 https://bnn-news.com/eur-200-benefit-for-families-with-children-in-latvia-questions-and-answers-232417 (duration, frequency, benefit size) 624 https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/IMF-Notes/Issues/2022/06/07/Fiscal-Policy-for-Mitigating-the-Social-Impact-of- High-Energy-and-Food-Prices-519013 (benefit size) 625 https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/latvia-plans-monthly-allowance-for-vulnerable-groups-this-winter.a468675/ 626 https://latvia.postsen.com/news/48618/Specific-support-measures-will-be-applied-to-low-income-residents-and-certain- social-groups.html 627 https://www.apk-inform.com/en/news/1509325 628 https://www.gov.ls/government-intervenes-on-fuel-prices/ (expenditure, announcement, start and end date) 629 https://allafrica.com/stories/202204040172.html 630 https://www.africanstar.org/government-of-liberia-issues-price-adjustment-for-gasoline-and-fuel-products-on-local- market/ 631 https://thenewdawnliberia.com/government-adjusts-gasoline-and-fuel-prices/ 632 https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/03/12/liberia-to-power-its-economy-through-improved-energy- access-and-job-creation; 633 https://frontpageafricaonline.com/business/economy/liberia-pres-weah-launches-economic-recovery-project-for- informal-sector/ 634 https://frontpageafricaonline.com/business/economy/liberia-pres-weah-launches-economic-recovery-project-for- informal-sector/ 635 WB operations. 636 https://frontpageafricaonline.com/business/economy/liberia-pres-weah-launches-economic-recovery-project-for- informal-sector/ 637 https://www.libyaherald.com/2022/03/libya-imposes-total-ban-on-fish-exports-and-orders-creation-of-three-month- strategic-food-stock/ 638 https://bnn-news.com/bnn-analyses-insane-heating-bills-startle-vilnius-residents-231790 (planned coverage, expenditure) 639 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices (actual coverage) 640 https://finmin.lrv.lt/en/news/the-eur-2-26-billion-package-presented-to-counter-the-effects-of-inflation-and-to- strengthen-energy-independence 428 641 https://finmin.lrv.lt/en/news/the-eur-2-26-billion-package-presented-to-counter-the-effects-of-inflation-and-to- strengthen-energy-independence 642 https://finmin.lrv.lt/en/news/the-eur-2-26-billion-package-presented-to-counter-the-effects-of-inflation-and-to- strengthen-energy-independence 643 https://finmin.lrv.lt/en/news/the-eur-2-26-billion-package-presented-to-counter-the-effects-of-inflation-and-to- strengthen-energy-independence 644 https://www.macaubusiness.com/taxi-drivers-to-receive-one-off-fuel-and-energy-subsidy/ 645 https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1638468-20220311.htm 646 https://macaudailytimes.com.mo/firms-to-receive-mop20000-subsidy-for-each-local-hire.html 647 https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20220406-madagascar-contre-les-envol%C3%A9es-des-prix-alimentaires-le-gouvernement- fixe-des-prix-plafonds 648 https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/reunion/madagascar-le-gouvernement-bloque-les-prix-des-produits-indispensables- 1269804.html 649 https://fr.africanews.com/2022/04/06/madagascar-plafonne-les-prix-de-certains-produits-contre-l-inflation// 650 https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20220406-madagascar-contre-les-envol%C3%A9es-des-prix-alimentaires-le-gouvernement- fixe-des-prix-plafonds 651 https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/reunion/madagascar-le-gouvernement-bloque-les-prix-des-produits-indispensables- 1269804.html 652 https://fr.africanews.com/2022/04/06/madagascar-plafonne-les-prix-de-certains-produits-contre-l-inflation// 653 WB internal source. 654 WB operation and internal source 655 WB operation and internal source 656 WB operation and internal source 657 WB operation and internal source 658 https://allafrica.com/stories/202204060095.html 659 https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/03/10/fuel-subsidies-likely-to-top-rm28bil-this-year-says- tengku-zafrul/ 660 https://paultan.org/2022/03/17/malaysia-to-pay-rm28-billion-in-fuel-subsidy-in-2022-five-times-higher-than-rm5-3b- allocated-in-budget-2022/ 661 https://www.lowyat.net/2022/280318/government-targeted-fuel-subsidy-pilot-e-wallets/ 662 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-agriculture-ministry-expedite-subsidy-payment-chicken-breeders- supply-shortage-export-ban-2703566 663 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-agriculture-ministry-expedite-subsidy-payment-chicken-breeders- supply-shortage-export-ban-2703566 664 https://hrmasia.com/wage-subsidies-of-rm20-63-billion-disbursed-in-malaysia/ 665 https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/in-food-protection-move-malaysia-bans-poultry-exports-to-ease- inflation-122052400281_1.html 666 https://www.lejecom.com/Mali-456-milliards-FCFA-pour-le-financement-de-la-campagne-agricole-2022_a6318.html 667 https://www.lejecom.com/Mali-456-milliards-FCFA-pour-le-financement-de-la-campagne-agricole-2022_a6318.html 668 https://www.lejecom.com/Mali-456-milliards-FCFA-pour-le-financement-de-la-campagne-agricole-2022_a6318.html 669 https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/nrp_2022_malta_en.pdf 670 World Bank internal documents 671 https://commerce.govmu.org/Communique/COMM_NEW_SUBSIDIES_29AP22.docx.pdf (offical link; vertical expansion; April 29, 2022). 672 https://mauritiushindinews.com/wazaa-fm/cost-of-living-the-government-is-injecting-rs-150-million-to-subsidize-seven- basic-products-milk-oil-butter-etc/#:~:text=30%20Apr%202022,powdered%20milk%20and%20dried%20grains. (announcement date, expenditure, details, ended) 673 https://mauritiushindinews.com/defimedia/end-of-subsidies-on-several-food-products-showdown-between-importers- and-the-government/ (ended) 674 https://worldbankgroup.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/sites/Files5012/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B4D872342-C08F- 46AF-A772- FFC7620C4296%7D&file=Price%20shock%20SPJ%20response%20tracker_V3.xlsx&action=default&mobileredirect=true &cid=3eba0ba5-7bc8-4468-b55a-d76dac77690e (official link; iniital program); 675 https://allafrica.com/stories/202203160090.html 429 676 https://elpais.com/mexico/2022-03-11/mexico-confia-en-un-aumento-de-la-renta-petrolera-para-evitar-un- gasolinazo.html 677 https://www.forbes.com.mx/gobierno-reduce-7-7-el-subsidio-a-la-gasolina-premium/ 678 https://www.gob.mx/shcp/prensa/comunicado-no-16-el-gobierno-de-mexico-refrenda-y-fortalece-su-compromiso-para- que-los-precios-de-las-gasolinas-y-el-diesel-no-aumenten-mas-alla-de-la-inflacion-a-traves-de-la-publicacion-de-un- estimulo-complementario 679 https://elpais.com/mexico/economia/2022-08-05/hacienda-recorta-el-subsidio-a-la-gasolina-premium-pero-lo-mantiene- al-100-en-combustible-regular.html 680 https://elpais.com/mexico/economia/2022-08-05/hacienda-recorta-el-subsidio-a-la-gasolina-premium-pero-lo-mantiene- al-100-en-combustible-regular.html 681 https://elpais.com/mexico/2022-03-11/mexico-confia-en-un-aumento-de-la-renta-petrolera-para-evitar-un- gasolinazo.html 682 https://www.gob.mx/shcp/prensa/comunicado-no-16-el-gobierno-de-mexico-refrenda-y-fortalece-su-compromiso-para- que-los-precios-de-las-gasolinas-y-el-diesel-no-aumenten-mas-alla-de-la-inflacion-a-traves-de-la-publicacion-de-un- estimulo-complementario 683 https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/Mexico-elimina-aranceles-a-alimentos-importados-para-combatir-la- inflacion-20220516-0021.html 684 https://elpais.com/mexico/2022-05-04/el-gobierno-de-lopez-obrador-aumentara-la-produccion-de-granos-para-atajar-la- inflacion.html 685 https://trm.md/en/radio-moldova-promo/marcel-spatari-60-din-populatie-va-primi-compensatia-maxima-la-energie2 686 https://www.moldpres.md/en/news/2022/03/23/22002189 687 https://www.apk-inform.com/en/news/1525364; https://ukragroconsult.com/en/news/moldova-lifts-ban-on-wheat-and- flour-exports/ (ended) 688 https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/crna-gora-mjere-skupstina-gorivo- namirnice/31836339.html?msclkid=0773d21fd0a711ec8569ed3375c1c65e 689 https://zakoni.skupstina.me/zakoni/web/app.php/akt/2790 690 https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/crna-gora-mjere-skupstina-gorivo- namirnice/31836339.html?msclkid=0773d21fd0a711ec8569ed3375c1c65e 691 https://zakoni.skupstina.me/zakoni/web/app.php/akt/2790 692 https://zakoni.skupstina.me/zakoni/web/app.php/akt/2795 693 https://zakoni.skupstina.me/zakoni/web/app.php/akt/2796 694 https://klse.i3investor.com/web/blog/detail/kianweiaritcles/2022-06-10-story-h1624291706- Morocco_adopts_1_75_bln_USD_increase_in_food_fuel_subsidies 695 https://klse.i3investor.com/web/blog/detail/kianweiaritcles/2022-06-10-story-h1624291706- Morocco_adopts_1_75_bln_USD_increase_in_food_fuel_subsidies 696 https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/03/347686/morocco-to-curb-tomato-exports-ahead-of-ramadan 697 https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/morocco-morocco-removes-import-duties-oilseeds-and- products#:~:text=On%20June%202%2C%202022%2C%20the,prices%20of%20various%20essential%20goods. 698 https://www.macaubusiness.com/mozambique-president-announces-measures-to-stimulate-economy-tax-cuts/ 699 https://furtherafrica.com/2022/08/13/mozambiques-22-tax-cuts-among-20-measures-for-economic-acceleration/ 700 https://allafrica.com/stories/202205300680.html 701 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 702 https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2022/03/21/measures-to-cushion-impact-of-rising-energy-prices-and-inflation (benefit size) 703 https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/energie-so-gehen-europaeische-laender-gegen-hohe-energiepreise-vor-dpa.urn- newsml-dpa-com-20090101-220425-99-31784 (benefit size) 704 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 705 https://www.iamexpat.nl/expat-info/dutch-expat-news/dutch-government-considers-500-euro-allowance-help-cover- rising-living 706 https://think.ing.com/articles/the-netherlands-new-government-already-recalibrating-the-budget/ 707 https://think.ing.com/articles/the-netherlands-new-government-already-recalibrating-the-budget/ 708 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 2. 709 https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/bulgaria-freezes-power-prices-households-until-end-march-2021-12-16/ 430 710 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/14/new-zealand-halves-public-transport-fares-as-petrol-prices-soar-amid- russia-ukraine-war 711 https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/17/new-zealand-extends-fuel-excise-duty-cut-until-end-jan-to-give-inflation-relief.html (extension) 712 https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/new-zealand-hands-out-extra-cash-to-fight-inflation- storm/article65429213.ece 713 https://www.telesurtv.net/news/nicaragua-asume-aumento-combustible-20220416-0016.html 714 WB operation 715 WB operation 716 http://www.anp.ne/article/hausse-des-prix-au-niger-le-gouvernement-decide-d-une-baisse-de-la-taxe-douaniere-de-l 717 https://www.studiokalangou.org/68898-gouvernement-nigerien-detaxe-prix-produits-premiere-necessite 718 https://newsaf.cgtn.com/news/2022-03-16/Nigeria-to-tap-2-2-bln-eurobond-cash-local-funds-for-fuel-subsidy- 18qN4CaiTwk/index.html#:~:text=Nigeria%20plans%20to%20tap%202,country's%20Finance%20Minister%20Zainab%20 Ahmed. 719 https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/n4trn-bill-how-petrol-subsidy-grew-by-349-42-in-3-years/ (extension) 720 https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/524987-world-bank-urges-nigeria-to-rethink-fuel-subsidy-multiple- exchange-rates.html 721 WB operation 722 https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=1135&newsId=10340&furtherNews=yes 723 https://finance.gov.mk/2022/07/11/besimi-supplementary-budget-supports-increase-of-pensions-wages-new-anti-crisis- measures-and-development-projects/?lang=en" 724 https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=1135&newsId=10340&furtherNews=yes 725 https://finance.gov.mk/2022/07/11/besimi-supplementary-budget-supports-increase-of-pensions-wages-new-anti-crisis- measures-and-development-projects/?lang=en 726 https://seenews.com/news/n-macedonia-removes-vat-on-basic-foods-lowers-fuel-excise-duties-776402 727 https://finance.gov.mk/2022/07/11/besimi-supplementary-budget-supports-increase-of-pensions-wages-new-anti-crisis- measures-and-development-projects/?lang=en 728 https://finance.gov.mk/2022/07/11/besimi-supplementary-budget-supports-increase-of-pensions-wages-new-anti-crisis- measures-and-development-projects/?lang=en 729 https://finance.gov.mk/2022/07/11/besimi-supplementary-budget-supports-increase-of-pensions-wages-new-anti-crisis- measures-and-development-projects/?lang=en 730 https://www.globaltradealert.org/intervention/101858/export-ban/north-macedonia-temporary-export-ban-for-wheat- corn-sunflower-seeds-and-oil-introduced (announcement date; extension; details); 731 https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/macedonian-government-implements-measures-to-deal-with- economic-crisis/ (wheat extension until dec) 732 https://seenews.com/news/n-macedonia-removes-vat-on-basic-foods-lowers-fuel-excise-duties-776402 733 https://seenews.com/news/n-macedonia-removes-vat-on-basic-foods-lowers-fuel-excise-duties-776402 734 https://seenews.com/news/n-macedonia-removes-vat-on-basic-foods-lowers-fuel-excise-duties-776402 735 https://seenews.com/news/n-macedonia-removes-vat-on-basic-foods-lowers-fuel-excise-duties-776402 736 https://www.intellinews.com/north-macedonia-adopts-400mn-package-to-ease-economic-crisis-caused-by-russian- ukrainian-conflict-237532/ 737 https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2022-03-22/norway-government-proposes-extension-of-financial-support- to-help-households-cope-with-high-electricity-prices/ 738 https://www.husbanken.no/english/housing-allowance/high-electricity-prices/" 739 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 740 https://www.norden.org/en/info-norden/housing-allowance- norway#:~:text=Housing%20allowance%20is%20a%20state,housing%20of%20a%20good%20standard. 741 https://www.husbanken.no/english/housing-allowance/high-electricity-prices/ 742 https://www.zawya.com/en/markets/fuel-prices-for-january-announced-in-sultanate-of-oman-amjhmea7 (announcement date; end date); 743 https://www.muscatdaily.com/2022/08/09/government-measures-insulate-oman-from-rising- inflation/;https://timesofoman.com/article/119884-state-budget-posts-omr-784m-surplus-by-end-of-first-half-of- 2022#:~:text=By%20the%20end%20of%20the%20first%20half%20of%202022%2C%20government,allocated%20for%20 basic%20food%20subsidy. (actual expenditure) 431 744 https://timesofoman.com/article/119884-state-budget-posts-omr-784m-surplus-by-end-of-first-half-of- 2022#:~:text=By%20the%20end%20of%20the%20first%20half%20of%202022%2C%20government,allocated%20for%20 basic%20food%20subsidy. 745 https://www.muscatdaily.com/2022/05/31/ministry-of-agriculture-offers-subsidies-to-wheat-farmers/ 746 https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1116074/oman/his-majesty/more-food-items-added-to-zero-vat-list 747 https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20220307/efdf7ce909514b3fa6022dd582cc3aa9/c.html 748 https://pakobserver.net/flour-price-cuts-by-rs100-per-10kg-bag/ 749 https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/pak-pm-sharif-announces-new-relief-package-for-low-income- segment-122052800368_1.html 750 https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/pak-pm-sharif-announces-new-relief-package-for-low-income- segment-122052800368_1.html 751 https://www.dawn.com/news/1688798 752 https://asianews.network/pakistan-set-to-lift-import-ban-on-luxury-items/ 753 https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/panam%C3%A1-protestas_gobierno-de-panam%C3%A1-destina-200-millones-de- d%C3%B3lares-a-subsidio-del- combustible/47763100#:~:text=Ciudad%20de%20Panam%C3%A1%2C%2018%20jul,alto%20costo%20de%20la%20vida. 754 https://www.vozdeamerica.com/a/panama-acuerdan-reducir-precios-alimentos/6673160.html 755 http://www.diputados.gov.py/index.php/noticias/proyectan-inclusion-de-nuevos-beneficiarios-al-programa-de-pension- alimentaria-para-adultos 2. https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/paraguay-econom%C3%ADa_bateria-de-medidas-sociales-en- paraguay-contra-los-precios-y-la-sequ%C3%ADa/47732264 756 https://gestion.pe/economia/tarifas-electricas-recibo-de-luz-subsidio-de-castillo-a-tarifas-de-luz-sera-asumido-por- familias-pagan-entre-s-100-y-s-300-al-mes-nndc-noticia/ 757 https://www.gob.pe/institucion/midis/noticias/640416-mas-de-un-millon-de-usuarios-de-programas-juntos-pension-65-y- contigo-recibiran-subvencion-adicional-extraordinaria 758 https://www.gob.pe/institucion/midis/noticias/640416-mas-de-un-millon-de-usuarios-de-programas-juntos-pension-65-y- contigo-recibiran-subvencion-adicional-extraordinaria 759 https://www.gob.pe/institucion/midis/noticias/640416-mas-de-un-millon-de-usuarios-de-programas-juntos-pension-65-y- contigo-recibiran-subvencion-adicional-extraordinaria 760 https://www.americaeconomia.com/peru-exime-impuesto-combustible 761 https://www.mef.gob.pe/index.php/?option=com_content&view=article&id=7341&Itemid=101108&lang=es 762 https://cms.law/es/per/publication/exoneracion-del-igv-a-los-alimentos-de-la-canasta-basica- familiar#:~:text=de%20mayo%2C%202022- ,Exoneraci%C3%B3n%20del%20IGV%20a%20los%20alimentos%20de%20la%20canasta%20b%C3%A1sica,31%20de%2 0julio%20de%202022. 763 https://royanews.tv/news/283768 (duration, frequency); 764 https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/03/21/2168690/p569-million-fuel-subsidy-disbursed-drivers 765 https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/7/5/marcos-fuel-subsidies-public-transport-drivers.html 766 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/global-fuel-subsidies-ramped-up-counter-energy-price-spike-2022-03-17/ 767 https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/08/26/%E2%82%A73-5-billion-subsidy-included-in-2023-gaa/ 768 https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1935116/pampanga/local-news/central-luzon-farmers-get-p121-m-fuel-subsidy-from- da 769 https://www.dswd.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MC-09-s.2022.pdf 770 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/global-fuel-subsidies-ramped-up-counter-energy-price-spike-2022-03-17/ 771 https://globaldailymirror.com/Web/full_article/unemployment-falls-in-april22179 772 https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1934117/manila/local-news/marcos-approves-continuity-of-fuel-subsidy-distribution 773 https://www.gov.pl/web/premier/rzad-kontynuuje-wsparcie--dodatkowa-pomoc-dla-rolnikow-i-ochrona-dla-odbiorcow- gazu-przed-niekontrolowanym-wzrostem-cen-do-2027-r 774 https://businessinsider-com-pl.translate.goog/gospodarka/tarcza-antyputinowska-z-akceptacja-ke-rolnicy-dostana- pieniadze/nc72bqh?_x_tr_sl=pl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 775 https://samorzad-infor-pl.translate.goog/wiadomosci/5475504,Wnioski-o-doplaty-do-nawozow-do-31-maja-2022-r-Biura- ARiMR-beda-czynne-do-ostatniego-wnioskodawcy.html?_x_tr_sl=pl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 776 https://www-infor-pl.translate.goog/prawo/prawa-konsumenta/prawa-konsumenta/5540317,Wakacje-kredytowe-od- kiedy-wniosek.html?_x_tr_sl=pl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc 432 777 https://www-infor-pl.translate.goog/prawo/nowosci-prawne/5547875,Wakacje-kredytowe-2022-premier-Morawiecki- dla-kogo-ile-osob-moze-skorzystac-ile-skorzystalo.html?_x_tr_sl=pl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc (coverage) 778 https://samorzad-infor-pl.translate.goog/sektor/zadania/srodowisko/5474612,MKiS-ponad-870-mln-zl-z-UE-na-program- Moj-prad.html?_x_tr_sl=pl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc (benefit size, expenditure) 779 https://samorzad-infor-pl.translate.goog/sektor/zadania/srodowisko/5455628,Moj-Prad-40-na- fotowoltaike.html?_x_tr_sl=pl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc (benefit size) 780 https://www.gov.pl/web/premier/rzad-kontynuuje-wsparcie--dodatkowa-pomoc-dla-rolnikow-i-ochrona-dla-odbiorcow- gazu-przed-niekontrolowanym-wzrostem-cen-do-2027-r (coverage) 781 https://businessinsider.com.pl/twoje-pieniadze/polski-rzad-walczy-z-rosnacymi-cenami-pradu/3ssvl52 (benefit size) 782 https://www-rachuneo-pl.translate.goog/artykuly/rekompensaty-za- prad?_x_tr_sl=pl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=sc (transfer size, coverage, duration) 783 https://www.gov.pl/web/primeminister/we-are-doing-all-we-can-to-keep-prices-lower-and-fight-raging-inflation-says- polish-prime-minister (expenditure, coverage)" 784 https://www-infor-pl.translate.goog/prawo/nowosci-prawne/5559990,Dodatek-do-ogrzewania-domu-paliwem-innym-niz- 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season#:~:text=The%20government%20had%20first%20offered,ships%2C%20according%20to%20the%20ministry. 862 https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/G/MAQRN/KOR3A3.pdf&Open=True 863 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/global-fuel-subsidies-ramped-up-counter-energy-price-spike-2022-03-17/ 864 https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/oil/062022-south-korea-expands-auto-fuel- tax-cuts-for-second-time-as-pump-prices-soar 865 https://elpais.com/economia/2022-03-28/sanchez-anuncia-un-plan-de-6000-millones-de-ayudas-directas-y-rebajas- fiscales-para-empresas-y-familias.html 866 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/spain-portugal-approve-cap-gas-price-tuesday-pm-costa-says-2022-05-09/ 867 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-approve-16-bln-euros-aid-offset-soaring-energy-costs-2022-03-28/ 868 https://www.huffingtonpost.es/entry/medidas-gobierno-inflacion_es_62cd45e6e4b0359fa48061e7 869 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medicine/#:~:text=All%20essential%20food%20items%20and,the%20burden%20on%20the%20public. 878 https://www.caribbeantoday.com/sections/politics/st-vincent-government-announces-policy-to-ease-energy-and-fuel- costs 879 https://www.caribbeantoday.com/sections/politics/st-vincent-government-announces-policy-to-ease-energy-and-fuel- costs 880 https://www.caribbeantoday.com/sections/politics/st-vincent-government-announces-policy-to-ease-energy-and-fuel- costs 881 https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/sudan-s-northern-state-wali-bans-wheat-exports 882 https://www.nationnews.com/2022/04/08/temporary-fuel-subsidy-suriname/ 883 https://www.government.se/press-releases/2022/03/government-presents-package-of-measures-to-address-rising-fuel- and-electricity-prices-as-a-result-of-the-invasion-of-ukraine/ 884 https://www.europeanpensions.net/ep/Swedish-parliament-votes-to-increase-guaranteed-pension.php 885 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https://www.government.se/press-releases/2022/03/government-presents-package-of-measures-to-address-rising-fuel- and-electricity-prices-as-a-result-of-the-invasion-of-ukraine/ 892 https://www.government.se/press-releases/2022/03/government-presents-package-of-measures-to-address-rising-fuel- and-electricity-prices-as-a-result-of-the-invasion-of-ukraine/ 893 https://www.plenglish.com/news/2022/03/06/syria-bans-exports-of-some-foodstuffs-to-prevent-food-shortages/ 894 https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202205260016 2. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202203310023 895 https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/WFP-0000137593.pdf 896 https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/tanzania-government-announces-sh100-billion-fuel-subsidy-3810654 897 https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/more-pain-for-motorists-as-fuel-prices-hit-the-roof--3901360 898 https://farmersreviewafrica.com/tanzania-launches-fertiliser-subsidy-program 899 https://allafrica.com/stories/202208040281.html 900 https://www.habarileo.co.tz/habari/2022-03-0862276661bd209.aspx 901 https://allafrica.com/stories/202203020244.html 902 https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2280335/more-subsidies-coming-as-oil-crisis-hits-poor 903 https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-to-borrow-20-billion-baht-to-maintain-fuel-subsidies 904 https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/retail-diesel-price-in-thailand-capped-at-35-baht-per-liter-404274 905 https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/thailand-issues-new-incentive-package-for-electric-vehicle-industry/ 906 https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/thailand-issues-new-incentive-package-for-electric-vehicle-industry/ 907 https://www.nishimura.com/en/articles/thailand-approves-new-incentive-package-for-electric-vehicle-industry.html 908 https://www.republicoftogo.com/toutes-les-rubriques/eco-finance/baisse-significative-de-la-tvm 909 https://www.republicoftogo.com/toutes-les-rubriques/eco-finance/inflation-le-gouvernement-contre-attaque 910 https://www.togofirst.com/en/agriculture/0807-10302-togolese-government-supplies-82-000-t-of-fertilizer-to-farmers- for-the-ongoing-agricultural-campaign#:~:text=News- ,Togolese%20government%20supplies%2082%2C000%20t%20of%20fertilizer,for%20the%20ongoing%20agricultural%20 campaign&text=(Togo%20First)%20%2D%20For%20the,the%2076%2C000%20t%20initially%20announced. 911 https://www.togofirst.com/en/agriculture/0706-10109-togolese-government-disburses-cfa500-million-to-pre-finance- fertilizer-purchase-for-struggling-farmers (expenditure) 912 https://www.togofirst.com/en/agriculture/1205-9945-togolese-state-to-spend-over-cfa17-6-billion-on-fertilizer-subsidies- this-year 913 https://www.republicoftogo.com/toutes-les-rubriques/eco-finance/inflation-le-gouvernement-contre-attaque 914 https://www.agridigitale.net/art-les_non_dits_sur_la_pnurie_du_pain.html 915 https://www.republicoftogo.com/toutes-les-rubriques/eco-finance/inflation-le-gouvernement-contre-attaque 916 https://www.republicoftogo.com/toutes-les-rubriques/eco-finance/inflation-le-gouvernement-contre-attaque 917 https://africanmanager.com/la-lumiere-flambe-a-consommer-avec-moderation-recommande-la-steg/ 918 https://www.libyaherald.com/2022/04/tunisia-imposes-fruit-and-vegetables-export-ban-to-all-countries-including-its- largest-importer-libya/ 919 https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/turkey-turkey-imposes-temporary-ban-certain-agricultural-exports 920 https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/turkey-turkey-imposes-temporary-ban-certain-agricultural-exports 921 https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/kirmizi-et-ihracatina-kisitlama-getirildi-1919088 922 https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/turkey-update-turkeys-export-ban-select-ag-products-0 923 https://www.duvarenglish.com/turkish-govt-cuts-vat-on-basic-food-products-as-inflation-escalates-news-60363 924 https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/government-announces-new-tax-cuts-172588 925 https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/government-announces-new-tax-cuts-172588 926 https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/government-announces-new-tax-cuts-172588 927 https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/government-announces-new-tax-cuts-172588 928 https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/government-announces-new-tax-cuts-172588 929 https://turkmenportal.com/en/blog/44925/president-of-turkmenistan-demanded-to-keep-prices-of-goods-and-food- products-under-control 436 930 https://www.dw.com/en/ghana-extends-ban-on-grain-exports/a-61955785 931 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/05/minister-reports-high-demand-as-emiratis-apply-for-cost-of-living- subsidy/ 932 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/05/minister-reports-high-demand-as-emiratis-apply-for-cost-of-living- subsidy/ 933 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/05/minister-reports-high-demand-as-emiratis-apply-for-cost-of-living- subsidy/ 934 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/04/petrol-price-subsidy-part-of-dh28bn-cost-of-living-support-package- for-emiratis/ 935 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/05/minister-reports-high-demand-as-emiratis-apply-for-cost-of-living- subsidy/ 936 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/04/petrol-price-subsidy-part-of-dh28bn-cost-of-living-support-package- for-emiratis/ 937 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/05/minister-reports-high-demand-as-emiratis-apply-for-cost-of-living- subsidy/ 938 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/04/petrol-price-subsidy-part-of-dh28bn-cost-of-living-support-package- for-emiratis/ 939 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/05/minister-reports-high-demand-as-emiratis-apply-for-cost-of-living- subsidy/ 940 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/04/petrol-price-subsidy-part-of-dh28bn-cost-of-living-support-package- for-emiratis/ 941 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/05/minister-reports-high-demand-as-emiratis-apply-for-cost-of-living- subsidy/ 942 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/07/04/petrol-price-subsidy-part-of-dh28bn-cost-of-living-support-package- for-emiratis/ 943 At the time of writing, the new UK government announced new measures supporting households paying their energy bills which will be included in the next version of this tracker: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/08/british-pm-liz-truss- announces-a-cap-on-energy-bills.html 944 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/eustice-supporting-farmers-ahead-of-the-coming-growing-season 945 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/a-summary-of-the-sfi-in-2022 946 https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2022/03/30/sustainable-farming-incentive-standards-payment-rates-and-how-to-prepare/ 947 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 948 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-bills-support-scheme-explainer 949 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to- help-you-pay-your-energy- bills/#:~:text=The%20government%20will%20give%20every,instalments%20starting%20from%20October%202022. 950 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-support-for-the-cost-of-living-factsheet/government-support- for-the-cost-of-living-factsheet 951 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/warm-home-discount/ 952 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1088381/energy- security-bill-factsheet-overarching.pdf 953 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-19/uk-energy-bills-to-soar-near-3-600-as-price-cap-decision- nears#xj4y7vzkg 954 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 955 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/winter-fuel-payment/ 956 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment 957 https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices 958 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/26/rishi-sunak-cost-of-living-measures-key-points-energy-windfall-tax 959 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment 960 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/26/rishi-sunak-cost-of-living-measures-key-points-energy-windfall-tax 961 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/26/rishi-sunak-cost-of-living-measures-key-points-energy-windfall-tax 962 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/26/rishi-sunak-cost-of-living-measures-key-points-energy-windfall-tax 963 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-support-for-the-cost-of-living-factsheet/government-support- for-the-cost-of-living-factsheet 437 964 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 965 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/household-support-fund-doubled-to-help-most-vulnerable-tackle-cost-of-living 966 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nearly-nine-million-grants-from-first-round-of-household-support-fund 967 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 968 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 969 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 970 https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9428/ 971 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 972 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/council-tax-rebate-factsheet 973 https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/02/some-households-could-get-up-to-p350-in-a-council-tax-to-deal-wi/ 974 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 975 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 976 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-statement-2022-documents/spring-statement-2022-html 977 https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/26/politics/state-gas-groceries-income-tax-relief-governors/index.html 978 https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/26/politics/state-gas-groceries-income-tax-relief-governors/index.html 979 https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/News---Press-Releases/2022/Latest-News/Fuels-Tax- Suspension#:~:text=Connecticut%20Motor%20vehicle%20fuels%20tax,term%20is%20defined%20in%20Conn. 980 https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/26/politics/state-gas-groceries-income-tax-relief-governors/index.html 981 https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/26/politics/state-gas-groceries-income-tax-relief-governors/index.html 982 https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/News---Press-Releases/2022/Latest-News/Fuels-Tax- Suspension#:~:text=Connecticut%20Motor%20vehicle%20fuels%20tax,term%20is%20defined%20in%20Conn. 983 https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/26/politics/state-gas-groceries-income-tax-relief-governors/index.html 984 https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/26/politics/state-gas-groceries-income-tax-relief-governors/index.html. 985 https://www.flgov.com/2022/05/06/governor-ron-desantis-signs-largest-tax-relief-package-in-floridas-history/ 986 https://floridarevenue.com/MotorFuel/Pages/default.aspx#:~:text=The%20Florida%20Motor%20Fuel%20Tax,extends%2 0through%20Monday%2C%20October%2031. 987 https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/26/politics/state-gas-groceries-income-tax-relief-governors/index.html 988 https://www.11alive.com/article/traffic/gas-prices/georgia-gas-tax-suspension-extended/85-c463e447-8a80-444c-b3f4- 917d123dd467 989 https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-industria-energia-mineria/comunicacion/noticias/combustibles-aumentan-debajo-precios- internacionales 990 https://www.efe.com/efe/america/economia/el-precio-del-combustible-en-uruguay-aumenta-por-cuarto-mes- consecutivo/20000011-4795382 991 https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/politica/gobierno-medidas-sectores-vulnerables.html 992 https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/politica/gobierno-medidas-sectores-vulnerables.html 993 https://ladiaria.com.uy/politica/articulo/2022/4/gobierno-aumentara-el-descuento-a-las-naftas-en-las-estaciones-de- servicio-de-la-frontera-con-argentina/ 994 https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/politica/gobierno-medidas-sectores-vulnerables.html 995 https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/politica/gobierno-medidas-sectores-vulnerables.html 996 https://www.apk-inform.com/en/news/1527329 997 https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1188823/govt-asked-to-raise-export-taxes-to-reduce-domestic-fertiliser- prices.htmlprices.html#:~:text=Việt%20Nam%20has%20so%20far,of%20natural%20resources%2C%20or%20minerals 998 WB operation 999 https://www.lusakatimes.com/2022/07/28/government-urged-to-consider-reducing-further-value-added-tax-on-petrol- and-diesel/ 1000 https://www.moe.gov.zm/?p=2646 1001 https://www.lusakatimes.com/2022/06/16/government-extends-fuel-subsidies-for-another-three-months/ 1002 https://www.tralac.org/blog/article/15613-zimbabwe-s-latest-trade-policy-pronouncements-government-suspends- import-duties-and-removes-import-licenses-on-basic- commodities.html#:~:text=On%20the%2017th%20of%20May,on%20importation%20of%20basic%20commodities. 438 Social Protection & Jobs Discussion Paper Series Titles 2020-2022 No. Title 2211 Tracking Global Social Protection Responses to Price Shocks (Living paper v.3) by Ugo Gentilini, Mohamed Almenfi, Hrishikesh TMM Iyengar, Yuko Okamura, Emilio Raul Urteaga, Giorgia Valleriani, and Sheraz Aziz September 2022 2210 Tracking Global Social Protection Responses to Price Shocks (Living paper v.2) by Ugo Gentilini, Mohamed Almenfi, Hrishikesh TMM Iyengar, Yuko Okamura, Emilio Raul Urteaga, Giorgia Valleriani, Jimmy Vulembera Muhindo, and Sheraz Aziz July 2022 2209 Tracking Social Protection Responses to Displacement in Ukraine and Other Countries by Ugo Gentilini, Mohamed Almenfi, Hrishikesh TMM Iyengar, Yuko Okamura, Emilio Raul Urteaga, Giorgia Valleriani, Jimmy Vulembera Muhindo, and Sheraz Aziz June 2022 2208 Tracking Global Social Protection Responses to Price Shocks (Version 1) by Ugo Gentilini, Mohamed Almenfi, Hrishikesh TMM Iyengar, Yuko Okamura, Emilio Raul Urteaga, Giorgia Valleriani, Jimmy Vulembera Muhindo and Sheraz Aziz April 2022 2207 Adapting Social Protection to FCV and Insecurity - The Case of the Democratic Republic of Congo by Silvia Fuselli, Mira Saidi, Afrah Alawi Al-Ahmadi April 2022 2206 Voluntary Savings Schemes to Protect Informal Workers in Jordan by Friederike Rother, Carole Chartouni, Javier Sanchez-Reaza, Ernesto Brodersohn, Montserrat Pallares- Miralles April 2022 2205 Enhancing Workers’ Protection in Jordan by Friederike Rother, Carole Chartouni, Javier Sanchez-Reaza, Gustavo Paez Salamanca, Belal Fallah April 2022 2204 Humanitarian and Social Protection Linkages with Examples from South Asia by Steen Lau Jorgensen and Maria Virginia Ceretti April 2022 2203 Cash in the City: The Case of Port-au-Prince by Olivia D’Aoust, Julius Gunneman, Karishma V. Patel and Caroline Tassot March 2022 2202 Tracing Labor Market Outcomes of Technical and Vocational Training Graduates in Saudi Arabia: A study on graduates from the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) by Nayib Rivera, Mehtabul Azam and Mohamed Ihsan Ajwad January 2022 2201 From Protracted Humanitarian Relief to State-led Social Safety Net System: Somalia Baxnaano Program by Afrah Al-Ahmadi and Giuseppe Zampaglione January 2022 2110 Early Lessons from Social Protection and Jobs Response to COVID-19 In Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Countries by Alex Kamurase and Emma Willenborg December 2021 2109 Migration in Bulgaria: Current Challenges and Opportunities by Daniel Garrote-Sanchez, Janis Kreuder, and Mauro Testaverde December 2021 2108 Social Protection and Labor: A Key Enabler for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation by Jamele Rigolini December 2021 2107 Intent to Implementation: Tracking India’s Social Protection Response to COVID-19 by Shrayana Bhattacharya and Sutirtha Sinha Roy June 2021 2106 Social Assistance Programs and Household Welfare in Eswatini by Dhushyanth Raju and Stephen D. Younger June 2021 2105 The Coal Transition: Mitigating Social and Labor Impacts by Wendy Cunningham and Achim Schmillen May 2021 2104 Social Protection at the Humanitarian-Development Nexus: Insights from Yemen by Yashodhan Ghorpade and Ali Ammar April 2021 2103 Review of the Evidence on Short-Term Education and Skills Training Programs for Out-of-School Youth with a Focus on the Use of Incentives by Marguerite Clarke, Meghna Sharma, and Pradyumna Bhattacharjee January 2021 2102 Welfare, Shocks, and Government Spending on Social Protection Programs in Lesotho by Joachim Boko, Dhushyanth Raju, and Stephen D. Younger January 2021 2101 Cash in the City: Emerging Lessons from Implementing Cash Transfers in Urban Africa by Ugo Gentilini, Saksham Khosla, and Mohamed Almenfi January 2021 2011 Building the Foundation for Accountability in Ethiopia by Laura Campbell, Fitsum Zewdu Mulugeta, Asmelash Haile Tsegay, and Brian Wampler January 2020 2010 Safety nets, health crises and natural disasters: Lessons from Sierra Leone by Judith Sandford, Sumati Rajput, Sarah Coll-Black, and Abu Kargbo December 2020 2009 A Reforma do Bolsa Família: Avaliação das propostas de reforma debatidas em 2019 by Matteo Morgandi, Liliana D. Sousa, Alison Farias, e Fabio Cereda November 2020 2008 The Role of Social Protection in Building, Protecting, and Deploying Human Capital in the East Asia and Pacific Region by Harry Edmund Moroz October 2020 2007 Boosting the Benefits of Cash Transfer Programs During the Early Years: A Case Study Review of Accompanying Measures by Laura Rawlings, Julieta Trias, and Emma Willenborg October 2020 2006 Expansion of Djibouti’s National Family Solidarity Program: Understanding Targeting Performance of the Updated Proxy Means Test Formula by Vibhuti Mendiratta, Amr Moubarak, Gabriel Lara Ibarra, John van Dyck, and Marco Santacroce August 2020 2005 Assessing the Targeting System in Georgia: Proposed Reform Options by Maddalena Honorati, Roberto Claudio Sormani, and Ludovico Carraro July 2020 2004 Jobs at risk in Turkey: Identifying the impact of COVID-19 by Sirma Demir Şeker, Efşan Nas Özen, and Ayşenur Acar Erdoğan July 2020 2003 Assessing the Vulnerability of Armenian Temporary Labor Migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic by Maddalena Honorati, Soonhwa Yi, and Thelma Choi July 2020 2002 Getting it Right: Strengthening Gender Outcomes in South Sudan by Samantha de Silva, Abir Hasan, Aissatou Ouedraogo, and Eliana Rubiano-Matulevich July 2020 2001 The Science of Adult Literacy by Michael S. C. Thomas, Victoria C. P. Knowland, Cathy Rogers January 2020 To view Social Protection & Jobs Discussion Papers published prior to 2020, please visit www.worldbank.org/sp. ABSTRACT Between July and September 2022, the number of social protection and other related measures announced or implemented in response to inflation rose by about 62%. The latest tally includes 609 responses across 158 economies. Subsidies claim 36% of such measures and take four main forms (fuel, food, fertilizers, and various fee subsidies). Social assistance accounts for 24% of responses, 76% of which is provided in the form of cash transfers. Social protection programs cover, or are planning to do so, 900.1 million people. Based on 196 programs with available data in 90 countries or territories, a total of $328.2 billion is being invested in social protection responses. This involves an average country spending of 0.8% of GDP. The average size of social assistance transfers represents about one-fifth of daily median income. Over half (52%) of transfers are new and are provided on a one-off basis as opposed to monthly installments. Tax and trade-related measures account for 22% and 12% of global responses, respectively. Active labor market policies and social insurance claim a share of 4% each. ABOUT THIS SERIES Social Protection & Jobs Discussion Papers are published to communicate the results of The World Bank’s work to the development community with the least possible delay. This paper therefore has not been prepared in accordance with the procedures appropriate for formally edited texts. For more information, please contact the Social Protection Advisory Service via e-mail: socialprotection@ worldbank.org or visit us on-line at www.worldbank.org/sp