Opposition politician calls for answers as fuel prices rise

An opposition politician has called on the Georgian government to clarify when the Kulevi oil refinery will begin production, amid rising fuel prices.

Roman Gotsiridze said the public deserved a clear timeline for the launch of the facility, which has faced repeated delays.

“Fuel prices are increasing. The government must answer society as to when the Kulevi oil refinery will start producing,” he said.

Gotsiridze noted that construction of the refinery had been expected to be completed last year, but has yet to be finalised. He added that the Georgian state had invested $8.2 million into the project, effectively making it a co-owner.

“This is public money, and the government is obliged to report back to the people,” he said.

The opposition MP also claimed that, so far, the project had created risks for the country, alleging that issues surrounding the refinery had nearly led to sanctions affecting the Kulevi Oil Terminal.