State-owned flagship newspaper Al-Ahram led with details of a LE100 million agricultural reform program being unveiled by the Ministry of Agriculture. At its heart will be a nearly LE40 million in incentives designed to encourage farmers to grow corn instead of rice.
Fellow government media house Al-Gomhorriya topped its front page with what should be major news if it is really true. “The Black Market in Butane Ends Today,” the headline declared, followed by a story detailing plans to distribute an extra 1.3 million butane tanks to help end chronic shortages. The weeks-long butane crisis has caused long lines outside distribution centers, prompted isolated shootings and spawned a thriving black market where the canisters–which normally cost less around LE10—were reportedly selling for up to LE70. Anyway, all that is over now—at least according to Al-Gomhorriya.
Among the independent press, Al-Dostour brought us pictures of the the ongoing strike outside parliament by unpaid employees of the Tanta Flax and Oils Company. On Friday, the workers conducted weekly group prayers in the street outside the People’s Assembly.
