The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, has issued a decree to dissolve the country's parliament, setting the stage for an early election.

The official KUNA state news agency made the announcement on Sunday after an emergency government meeting.

The emir said "given the circumstances in the region ... and the security challenges" he had ordered the 50-member legislative body dissolved. The statement did not elaborate.

The move came less than 24 hours after parliament speaker Marzouk al-Ghanem called for snap elections in the face of security and economic challenges.

Members of parliament earlier filed three requests to grill ministers over a decision to increase petrol prices and over alleged financial and administrative violations, in a clear sign of tensions between the government and parliament.