Clashes occurred over the 7-8 June 2008 weekend between Egyptian security forces and residents of the Mediterranean fishing town of Burullus (also known as Burg al-Burullus). The violence began on 7 June, after thousands of people took to the streets to demonstrate against a government decision to end a subsidy on flour rations. Thousands of protesters blocked a main road leading to the town for several hours using burning tires and debris. Security forces were deployed to Burullus and attempted to disperse the demonstrators, who began throwing stones and other projectiles at them. Authorities responded with tear gas, and as many as 15 people were injured in the violence, which continued for a second consecutive day on 8 June. As many as 8,000 protesters continued to block roads using burning tires and clashed with security forces, who used tear gas, rubber bullets and batons to disperse the demonstrations. More than 30 people were arrested; no further violence has been reported in Burullus as of 9 June.

ASI Comment: The lifting of a government subsidy on flour is a relatively significant development in Egypt, where much of the population is impoverished and relies on government subsidies. However, this most recent flour subsidy cancellation is reportedly only effective for the Burullus area; authorities will reportedly halt the distribution of subsidized flour to residents and only deliver the rations to local bakeries.Burullus residents reportedly prefer to receive the subsidies directly and bake a specialized type of bread that is “suited to long fishing voyages” rather than buying “standard” bread from bakeries. Because this developing issue appears to be area-specific, widespread demonstrations and violence is not anticipated elsewhere in Egypt. Additional protests — likely sporadic in nature and not pre-announced — are possible in the Burullus area, and as evidenced in the recent protests, may result in ground transportation disruptions. However, it should be noted that Egypt — like many other countries — has experienced increases in the cost of living that salary increases have not been able to match, resulting in incidents of unrest and street demonstrations. Because these issues remain unresolved, the potential for incidents of unrest in various locations throughout the country remains.