Government Introduces Financial Support for Businesses Affected by

Official Notice on Financial Support for Business Operators Following Diesel Price Increase

The Government of the Republic of Mauritius has issued a formal communication to inform the public and relevant business entities about a new financial assistance scheme introduced in response to the recent increase in the price of diesel. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on certain categories of business operators and ensure continued economic activity across various sectors.

Scope and Purpose of the Support Scheme

This notice, identified as CommuniqueDiesel161023, details the government's decision to provide a financial subsidy of Rs. 5 per litre of diesel consumed for eligible business entities. The primary objective is to alleviate the financial burden caused by the increase in diesel prices, which directly affects transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors that rely heavily on fuel for their operations.

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has been designated as the responsible agency to administer and disburse the financial assistance. The scheme reflects the government's commitment to supporting local businesses and ensuring economic stability during times of fluctuating fuel prices.

Eligibility Criteria and Targeted Beneficiaries

To qualify for the financial support, applicants must belong to specific categories of business operators, which include:

• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Businesses with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs 100 million, as reported in the Income Tax return for the assessment year 2022/2023.
• Bakeries: Registered with the State Trading Corporation and benefiting from subsidized flour prices, with a turnover not exceeding Rs 100 million.
• Public Service Vehicle License Holders: Owners of licenses issued by the National Land Transport Authority for school vans.
• Sugarcane Planters: Registered with the Sugar Insurance Fund Board.
• Small Farmers and Breeders: Registered with the Small Farmers Welfare Fund.

These categories have been specifically selected based on their reliance on diesel for daily operations, and their eligibility is contingent upon compliance with existing tax and social contribution obligations.

Registration and Application Process

Eligible business operators are required to register online via the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s official website, www.mra.mu. The registration process involves submitting relevant business details to enable the MRA to identify and verify eligible entities.

Following registration, beneficiaries must submit a monthly electronic statement to the MRA. This statement should include:

• The total number of litres of diesel consumed for business purposes during the month.
• Additional particulars as may be specified by the MRA.

The MRA will process these submissions and credit the subsidy amount directly into the registered bank accounts of eligible persons.

Compliance and Record-Keeping Requirements

To continue benefiting from the scheme, business operators must remain compliant with their tax and social contribution obligations. It is also essential to maintain accurate and proper records of diesel consumption and related transactions, which may be subject to verification by the authorities.

Further Information and Assistance

For additional details regarding the scheme, registration procedures, or any other inquiries, stakeholders are advised to visit the official website of the Mauritius Revenue Authority at www.mra.mu. Alternatively, assistance can be obtained by contacting the MRA Helpdesk during working hours at the phone number +230 207 6000.

Official Source and Contact Details

This notice is issued by the Mauritius Revenue Authority, located at Ehram Court, Corner Mgr. Gonin & Sir Virgil Naz Streets, Port Louis, Mauritius. Correspondence can be directed via email to [email protected]. The authority emphasizes transparency and citizen engagement in implementing this support measure to ensure that eligible business operators are adequately informed and supported during this period of increased fuel prices.