Energy Subsidies and Energy Consumption: A Cross-Country Analysis

Author/Editor:

Joshua Charap ; Arthur Ribeiro da Silva ; Pedro C Rodriguez

Publication Date:

May 16, 2013

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

The economic and environmental implications of energy subsidies have received renewed attention from policymakers and economists in recent years. Nevertheless there remains significant uncertainty regarding the magnitude of the impact of energy subsidies on energy consumption. In this paper we analyze a panel of cross-country data to explore the responsiveness of energy consumption to changes in energy prices and the implications of our findings for the debate on energy subsidy reform. Our findings indicate a long-term price elasticity of energy demand between -0.3 and -0.5, which suggests that countries can reap significant long-term benefits from the reform of energy subsidies. Our findings also indicate that short-term gains from subsidy reform are likely to be much smaller, which suggests the need for either a gradual approach to subsidy reform or for more generous safety nets in the short term.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2013/112

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

May 16, 2013

ISBN/ISSN:

9781484367247/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2013112

Pages:

20

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org