Sustaining Fuel Subsidy Reform Should Be a Top U.S. Priority

Last week, I released a new CFR discussion paper entitled, "Sustaining Fuel Subsidy Reform," with my colleague Jennifer Harris. Over the last two years, governments around the world have taken advantage of the plunge in global oil prices to reduce or eliminate consumer subsidies for fuels like gasoline or natural gas. However, these reforms are often unpopular and crumble under political pressure despite their economic, security, and environmental benefits.

In our paper, we identify strategies for governments to prevent backsliding on reforms, and we recommend ways for U.S. policymakers to help countries reinforce reforms. Check out the infographic below for a summary of our findings. For more, read our op-ed in Politico Magazine and the full discussion paper on CFR.org.