DUSHANBE. June 9. “Asia-Plus” — The increase in fuel prices introduced by Gazprom Neft – Tajikistan is directly connected with the introduction of new export duties by the Russian Federation from June 1 this year, Acting Director General of the company Farhod Mirzoev told the AP.
He said that from June 10 gasoline prices at the company’s gas stations will make approximately 4.30-4.40 Somoni.
Additionally, gasoline prices will be regulated by the company in accordance with the regulation of the government of the Russian Federation and will depend on oil prices at the global market, he said.
The company believes that introduction of new export duties does not bear political character. According to Mirzoev, Gazprom Neft – Tajikistan is commercial company with its internal policy which is based on profitability of projects. “If Russia was planning to create barriers for fuel supplies to Tajikistan, it would not open its gas stations here and pay taxes. It would be much more easier to block these supplies straight at the border. By the way, 90% of fuel is imported to Tajikistan from Russia,” he said.
Mirzoev is confident that blockage of rail wagons with oil products on the territory of Uzbekistan will not cause raise in fuel prices in the country. “We do not face fuel deficit since the capital and RRS are provided with fuel. We have to supply fuel to Khatlon from Dushanbe that’s why gasoline prices in this region are higher as compared to other regions of the republic,” he added.
He stressed that 260 wagons of Gazprom Neft – Tajikistan currently remain blocked on the territory of Uzbekistan. “These wagons are loaded with gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel, bitumen for construction of roads. Due to the given delay in fuel supplies, the company will have to pay a $1 million 100.000 fine for lease of tanks. It costs the company 1500 Russian rubles ($50) to lease one tank for 24 hours,” he said.
However, he said that the delay will not affect fuel prices. “All these problems connected with the blockage of wagons will be considered by the CIS Rail Council in accordance with related procedures. We have already gathered all required information and submitted it to the council,” he added.
