Rapid Increase in Liquefied Gas Prices at Gas Stations: Garnik Danielyan

RA Deputy Garnik Danielyan wrote on Facebook: “Recently, there has been a rapid increase in the price of liquefied gas at gas stations throughout Armenia, reaching 180-200 drams. Just two weeks ago, I alerted that for unclear reasons, hundreds of trucks importing liquefied gas from Russia are being obstructed at the Georgian checkpoint from entering Armenia. I emphasized that, in the current situation, the Armenian side should take immediate actions to clarify the reasons behind the behavior of the Georgian customs services. We are also receiving information that bribes are being demanded from Armenian drivers to allow them entry into Armenia.

Local businesses are taking advantage of this situation, trying to make excessive profits. While the Competition Protection Commission reports that it is studying the processes occurring in the liquefied gas market, and the Minister of Economy occasionally announces on his Facebook page that several dozen trucks transporting liquefied gas have crossed the border, the price of liquefied gas in Armenia has recorded an increase of about 80% compared to previous months. It turns out that once again, due to the inaction of the relevant authorities, enormous financial losses are being incurred by liquefied gas importers and our citizens, who are forced to pay 200 drams for a liter of liquefied gas these days, when a few months ago they were purchasing it for 120 drams.

The Competition Protection Commission must also take effective steps within its authority to address the issue. If these processes are accompanied by violations or if there are dishonest businesses, they should be under the Commission's scrutiny. It is evident that the problem also has a political subtext, which is a consequence of the incompetence and mismanagement of this government. Under such inaction, we will soon witness another increase in liquefied gas prices.”