Diesel, the main fuel used in agriculture, has nearly doubled in price compared with the same period last year, increasing production costs for local agricultural products, Georgian Farmers’ Association Deputy Chairman Rati Kochlamazashvili told BMG.
He said the timing is particularly challenging as farmers are currently carrying out autumn fieldwork, meaning the sharp rise in fuel prices will directly affect crop production costs.
Kochlamazashvili warned that if farmers have to use more expensive fuel throughout the full production cycle, from planting to harvesting, local products could face difficulties competing with imports, especially given low consumer purchasing power.
“The challenge is global, but many countries have support mechanisms for agriculture and farmers. As a result, imported products can still be cheaper than local ones. Given the purchasing power of Georgia’s population, this could create real difficulties with sales,” Kochlamazashvili said.
