Chaos in the Sand Market: What is Behind the Price Increases

The newspaper 'Zhoghavorud' reports that there is real chaos in Armenia's sand market. Over the past few days, the price of sand has sharply increased. Our sources indicate that the price of one kilogram of sand has risen from 200 drams to 250 drams, meaning a 30 kg bag of sand now costs 7,500 drams instead of the previous 6,000 drams.

'Zhoghavorud' attempted to inquire about the reasons for the price increase from various sand vendors. In response to our questions, some of them mentioned that permits for sand extraction have not been granted during this period; when they are granted, it is with great difficulty. This suggests a sand deficit in Armenia, resulting in the price of a truckload of sand now being sold for 40,000 drams instead of the previous 25,000-30,000 drams.

It is noteworthy that sand extraction is mainly carried out in the regions of Armavir and Ararat. Experts have long warned that excessive sand extraction from the Araks River is disrupting the riverbed. According to experts, as a result of sand being extracted by several oligarchs from the riverbed and its banks, our already small country's territory is further shrinking, as the river is shifting toward us, causing the border to move with the water. Furthermore, there are villages in these regions that do not possess permits for sand extraction, yet sand is being extracted without control.