Vaso Urushadze claimed fuel retailers in Georgia were quick to raise prices when global oil prices increased but did not lower them when international prices declined
Author
Front News Georgia
The opposition United National Movement (UNM) has accused the Georgian Government of maintaining a cartel arrangement with fuel importing companies, alleging authorities have failed to respond to discrepancies between international oil prices and domestic fuel prices.
At a briefing on Wednesday, the party's Anti-Corruption Secretary, Vaso Urushadze, claimed fuel retailers in Georgia were quick to raise prices when global oil prices increased but did not lower them when international prices declined.
"International oil prices have fallen, yet fuel prices at Georgian filling stations remain unchanged. At the same time, whenever prices rise on international markets, importers increase the prices of both petrol and diesel almost immediately," Urushadze said.
He noted that the price of a barrel of crude oil had fallen by about 20 percent over the past month, arguing the reduction had not been reflected in retail fuel prices in Georgia.
Urushadze dismissed importers' explanation that existing fuel inventories prevented immediate price cuts.
"They claim they cannot reduce prices until existing stock is sold. This is false. If they can raise prices immediately, they should also be able to lower them just as quickly," he said.
The opposition politician also criticised the Government, Parliament, the economic team and the Competition Agency for what he described as a lack of action.
"The Government remains silent. There have been no statements, no questions, and no meaningful response from Parliament, the Government's economic team or the Competition Agency. This is confirmation that a cartel agreement exists between the Government and fuel importing companies in Georgia," Urushadze claimed.
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