Opposition leader accuses fuel companies and officials of profiteering amid price debate

Levan Khabeishvili, chair of the political council of the United National Movement, has accused fuel companies and public officials of profiteering, as debate continues over prices in key sectors.

The arrested opposition leader made the remarks during discussions linked to a parliamentary commission examining pricing in food, medicines and fuel.

Khabeishvili alleged that fuel prices in Georgia significantly exceed import costs, claiming that a litre of fuel reaching the port city of Poti costs around 2.10 lari, while retail prices range between 3.60 and 4 lari. He questioned where the difference in price was absorbed along the supply chain.

He also criticised members of the parliamentary commission, referring to Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani and claiming her parliamentary salary amounts to 20,000 lari. Khabeishvili suggested that such remuneration could influence perceptions of price levels in the country.

In his remarks, the opposition politician accused unnamed business figures of dominating the market and described the situation as harmful to consumers. He further alleged that the country is under the control of corrupt interests, without providing evidence for the claims.