Ration cards heavy burden on govt. – minister

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq’s Minister of Planning on Thursday described the ration cards used by Iraqis as a “heavy burden on the Iraqi government” on the grounds that it consumed around $6 billion in 2008. “This amount may increase to $10 billion,” Ali Baban told IraqiNews.com news agency. “The card items did not improve, but its cost has increased due to the increase in food prices worldwide,” he said. Baban pointed out that the government can now cover this cost, but it might not be able to do so in the future. MH (P)/AmR 1