The prices of tickets for public buses in Cairo increased on Friday by 50 piastres, state news agency MENA reported.

One-pound tickets will now be sold for EGP 1.5, while EGP 2 tickets will increase to EGP 2.5.

The hike in prices will allow the Cairo Public Transport Authority to develop and enhance its services, especially following the increase in fuel prices, the head of the authority, Rizk Ali, told MENA.

Egypt’s cabinet announced a cut in energy subsidies in June, with the price of 80-octane gasoline increasing from EGP 2.35 per litre to EGP 3.65, and the price of 92-octane gasoline increasing from EGP 3.50 to EGP 5.

In March, the price of a standard metro-ticket doubled from EGP 1 to EGP 2.