A Guidebook to Fossil-Fuel Subsidy Reform for Policy-Makers in Southeast Asia

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for fossil-fuel subsidy reform-but there are a set of planning stages that are generic, along with many common issues, challenges and potential solutions. The Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) has published a guidebook on how governments can formulate an effective reform strategy that will fit their individual objectives and circumstances. It is aimed at policy-makers in Southeast Asia, but much of its guidance could apply to any region.

Drawing together lessons from countries around the world, the publication provides guidance on the pace of reform and identifies good practice across three core elements:

  • Getting the prices right: how to change pricing systems for fossil fuels
  • Managing the impacts: estimating effects of reform and mitigating unwanted impacts
  • Building support: internal organization, and external consultation and communication

A concise summary of their findings is contained in a stand-alone Executive Summary.