The Unmanaged Situation Leads to Artificial Price Increases, Says Garnik Danielyan

“In the last week, the price of liquid gas in Yerevan and the regions has been rising hour by hour, reaching up to 260-300 drams. In some places, a deficit has even emerged. The situation has reached a point where our compatriots are advising each other in Facebook groups about which gas station to purchase from. Many are starting to give up gas cylinders, which entails additional costs,” wrote Garnik Danielyan, a member of the ‘Hayastan’ parliamentary group on his Facebook page.

“Taxi drivers are also reporting that the liquid gas deficit has disrupted their normal operations. Let’s note that at the beginning of April, the price of liquid gas was 170 drams. This shows that we are dealing with a price increase of 60-70%. I repeatedly address the fluctuating price policy of liquid gas in Armenia, calling on the relevant authorities to take steps towards regulating the sector. In particular, research is needed to clarify whether the reasons for the price increase are domestic or if there are companies that are not playing by 'fair rules'. If the issue is, as they present in all such cases, solely about supply, can't the transportation and border delays be made manageable? Market regulation and ensuring proper supply should have been in the spotlight of the Government. Meanwhile, the unmanaged situation leads to the continued artificial inflation of fuel prices, impacting not the authorities, but our hard-working citizens. I have sent urgent letters to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, demanding clarification on when the issues of liquid gas pricing and deficit will be resolved,” wrote Danielyan.