UNM calls for fuel excise cut, lower energy and food prices

Georgia's opposition United National Movement (UNM) has called for lower fuel, electricity and food prices, including a 50% reduction in fuel excise tax, arguing that consumers are paying what it described as a "corruption surcharge".

Speaking at a briefing on Friday, Lasha Parulava, one of the party's leaders, said the government had failed to fulfil its promise to reduce the cost of living.

"The Georgian Dream promised to reduce high prices, but the reality is the opposite. Prices continue to rise while people are becoming poorer," Parulava said.

He accused the ruling party of allowing what he described as oligopolies and politically connected groups to benefit at the public's expense.

Parulava said the UNM believed three factors were driving what he called the "systematic exploitation" of consumers: the fuel sector, alleged corruption in the energy sector, and the banking industry.

He also claimed that salaries had increased only for government officials, while household incomes had failed to keep pace.

According to Parulava, the party is calling for the removal of "corruption surcharge" from the prices of fuel, electricity and food, a 50% cut in fuel excise duty, and a return to what it called the "fair" 2012 fuel price benchmark.

The UNM also called for a reduction in electricity tariffs, which it said had increased by 33%, and for a moratorium on further price rises.