Bahrain MPs stormed out of parliament's weekly session yesterday (December 24) in protest over a government decision to increase diesel prices, a report said.

Twenty-four of 40 legislators were present at the session and they all walked out of the chamber seconds after a statement was read by parliamentary blocs co-ordinating committee head Hassan Bukhammas on the reasons behind their withdrawal, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The move left parliament chairman Dr Khalifa Al Dhahrani no choice but to adjourn the session and follow the others outside.

The National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) announced last Thursday that diesel would be sold at 180 fils ($0.47) per litre from January 1, 2017.

Parliamentary blocs will meet on Sunday to discuss possible actions against the government decision, which MPs described as "rash".

They include questioning Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, who is also the responsible minister for Noga, and delay or block all government proposed legislation.

Noga earlier revealed that under a gradual four-phased plan, domestic consumers will pay 120 fils per litre from January 15 next year - up by 20 fils.

The price will increase by another 20 fils to reach 140 fils with effect from January 1, 2015. A year later consumers will pay 160 fils per litre - with the new price taking effect on January 1, 2016.

By January 1, 2017, consumers will be paying 180 fils per litre.

Meanwhile, Bahraini fishermen will be able to buy diesel at 30 fils less than the readjusted prices - 90 fils (2014), 110 fils (2015), 130 fils (2016) and 150 fils (2017). – TradeArabia News Service