Intercity transportation costs in Georgia are rising as fuel prices surge. Over the past month, fuel prices at gas stations have increased by nearly 80 tetri, pushing transportation companies to adjust fares.
From April, OmniBus increased the fare for travel to Kutaisi International Airport by GEL 5, raising the price to GEL 30. The company says that fare increases for routes to Zugdidi and Batumi are also expected soon.
While fuel is the primary driver of rising costs, operators report that other operational expenses have also increased. According to OmniBus management, mandatory departures from official bus stations add around GEL 150 to the cost of a single trip - an expense that ultimately affects ticket prices.
“Fuel price hikes were the final straw,” said Irakli Kabulashvili, director of OmniBus Express. “Just entering the Ortachala and Okriba bus stations adds up to GEL 150 per trip. That alone translates into a 4–5 lari increase per ticket.”
Georgian Bus has also raised fares for travel to Kutaisi Airport, similarly pointing to the sharp rise in fuel prices and increasing operational costs.
“We had to take measures to offset rising expenses,” said Shalva Khutsishvili, the company’s director. “The biggest share of the pressure comes from fuel.”
Transport operators have already approached bus station administrations requesting tariff revisions. The heads of the Didube and Okriba bus stations confirm that consultations have taken place, but no changes have yet been implemented at station-based routes.
Some drivers privately warn that if fuel prices continue to rise, maintaining current fares will become impossible, meaning intercity fares may increase across nearly all destinations.
