MUSCAT: The Minister of Social Development in Oman has indicated that many eligible families have not signed up for the national subsidy system, which includes 37,215 families who haven’t registered for electricity subsidy.

The ministry has been following up on the issue of high electricity and water tariffs for families who have been registered for the national subsidy, said Her Excellency Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar.

The departments affiliated to the ministry in the various governorates of the Sultanate were directed to follow up with these families and guide them to sign up for the national subsidy system for electricity and water.

Al Najjar has called on all eligible families to register in the system, which will make it easier for the ministry to work and assess the numbers of those eligible for their support according to the program initiated by the Ministry of Social Development.

She also explained that the ministry has been dealing with many cases who were unable to pay their bills due to the current economic conditions, and they have been dealt with and assisted by disbursing an urgent amount of money.

The redirection of government support for the electricity and water sectors was announced in line with the initiatives of the medium-term fiscal balance plan that was announced according to the gradual approach in raising the service tariff in the electricity and water sectors.