Georgian opposition warns proposed utility tariff changes could raise living costs

Georgia’s opposition United National Movement (UNM) has called for proposed changes to gas and water tariffs to be suspended, warning that higher utility bills could push up the cost of bread and other essential goods.

Lasha Parulava, a member of the party’s governing council, accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of increasing the financial burden on households ahead of winter.

“We are demanding a halt to tariff changes, the dismantling of corrupt interests and cartels, the removal of unnecessary intermediaries and lower taxes. People need relief and fair economic policies, not a higher cost of living,” Parulava said.

He criticised a proposed legislative initiative by MPs Shota Berekashvili, Giorgi Barvenashvili and Anton Obolashvili, claiming it would give the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC) the power to set different gas and water tariffs based on consumption levels.

Parulava argued that higher utility bills would also increase business operating costs, potentially leading to price rises for bread and other basic goods. He questioned the timing of the proposal, saying households face their greatest heating needs during winter.

The opposition representative also criticised the government over pension increases, saying pensioners were due to receive an additional 45 lari while officials were increasing their own remuneration by thousands of lari.