BUSINESS

Egyptians using their cars despite the gas price hike

October 15, 2017

Renad Ghanem

Saudi Gazette

CAIRO — Three months ago, the Egyptian government announced increase in gas prices. The price of 92 grade gas that the majority use reached to 5 EGP per litre, while the price of 95 grade gas that is usually used by luxury cars increased to only less that 1 EGP.

Did the hike in gas prices lead any of the car owners to use a public transportation instead of their cars to save money? The answer is no. No one thought about changing their habits, for so many reasons.

Car is not a luxury product, especially for those who live far from their work place. In the new cities, the public transportation is much easier around the down town and inhabited areas.

Hasna Eid, a 25-year-old graphic designer, said that she still uses her car and she sometimes lent money from her parents to pay for her car gas because her salary barely suffice her daily expenses.

“My social level prevents me from using public transportation. It's a shame but unfortunately in Egypt we judge people by their appearance or if they have a car or not. So sometimes, we have to pay over our income to show off,” said Sarah.

“I’ve never tried any kind of public transportation before; I only use them when I travel to Europe, but here in Egypt I can’t do that, because people will judge me,” said Hasna.

Aya Mohsen, IT engineer, said that it is impossible for her to use public transportation, for many reasons including social.

“The increase in gas prices was shocking to me. I live in Sheikh Zayed and work in New Cairo, so I drive at least 4 hours each day to reach my work place and to return home. Moving to New Cairo is my perfect solution not the public transportation. It might be cheaper than moving, but I’ll stay using my car because it makes transporting easier, and despite the hike in gas prices, I didn’t see anyone changing their daily routine by using public transportation,” said Aya.

Samer Mahdi, a 35-year-old man, believes that car makes life easier. Despite the gas price hike, he and his wife still use their cars.

“Car is not a luxury product, it is a necessity, and car is easier to use than public transportation. After I finish my work, I take my car and leave. I don’t need to wait for a bus or metro. I avoid the crowd, I drive in any way I want not like the public transportation that follows a specific route. Of course, car can save time than the public transportation but not money,” said Samer.

“I’ve three cars, one for me, one for my wife and the third for my children who use it with a driver, so I’m badly suffering from the increase in gas prices,” said Samer.


October 15, 2017
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