01 July 2009, 10:00
Azerbaijan doubles gas prices for the population
Starting from July 1, in Azerbaijan, the price for natural gas, delivered to the population, goes up from 47.2 manats (56.6 US dollars) up to 100 manats (about 120 US dollars). This decision was made on June 30 by the Tariff Board on the basis of the proposal moved by the gas-distribution company - the Closed Joint-Stock Company "Azerigas".
The decision was motivated by the arguments of "preventing any irrational use of gas and ensuring a more reliable and with better quality supplies of fuel to the population with fuel," and also by the fact that until now gas was sold to the population below its prime cost."
The previous increase of tariffs on natural gas in Azerbaijan took place in January 2007. Then, it was explained by "the end of import of natural gas from Russia and switchover to covering domestic consumption by internal resources."
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent