Georgia's imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Russia have become more difficult, raising expectations that retail prices could increase to around GEL 1.80 per liter within the next two weeks, according to the LPG Importers and Distributors Association.
The association says supply has tightened due to damage to Russian production facilities and rising prices on Russian commodity exchanges. Importers are seeking alternative supplies from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, but warn that these routes present logistical challenges.
Association representative Nariman Pirtskheliani said most of Georgia's LPG is transported overland from Vladikavkaz. He added that recent price increases of 6,000–8,000 rubles per ton on Russian exchanges are expected to push up local prices.
Pirtskheliani also criticized municipal fines imposed on LPG filling stations, saying they create additional pressure on the industry at a time when businesses are working to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies.
