MUSCAT : Oman’s Shura Council on Wednesday referred a proposed draft law aimed at preventing the disconnection of essential services from financially distressed households to its specialised committee for detailed study, The Arabian Stories has learnt.

The move came during the Council’s ninth regular session of the third annual sitting (2025–2026) of its tenth term (2023–2027).

The proposed legislation seeks to regulate and restrict the suspension of basic utilities — including electricity and water — for insolvent families, individuals who have lost their jobs, and cases deemed humanitarian. Lawmakers said the objective is to establish a clear legal framework that balances social protection with regulatory and financial considerations.

Members emphasised that access to essential services is a basic necessity, particularly for low-income households and vulnerable segments of society. They noted that service disconnections can have significant social and economic repercussions, especially for families with children, elderly members or individuals facing temporary financial hardship.

Under Oman’s legislative process, the draft proposal will now be examined by the competent committee, which will assess its legal, financial and operational implications. The committee is expected to review coordination mechanisms with relevant government entities and utility providers, define eligibility criteria, and study potential fiscal impacts before submitting its recommendations back to the Council.

The referral reflects broader discussions within the Sultanate on strengthening social protection measures and enhancing safeguards for vulnerable groups, while maintaining the sustainability of service providers.

Further deliberations are expected once the committee completes its review and presents its findings to the Council for consideration.

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