Public transport fares are expected to rise in the Tajik capital. According to Dushanbenaqliyotkhadamotrason (Dushanbe public transport service), the Dushanbe Transport Department has reached out to the Ministry of Transport (MoT) with a proposal to raise public transport faces in the city. Meanwhile, representatives of the Dushanbe Administration say they are still analyzing the situation and are in no hurry to resolve the issue of raising public transport fares.
“Transport tariffs are set at the level of the Ministry of Transport and other agencies,” said Hamzaali Ghaniyev, the head of Dushanbenaqliyotkhadamotrason. “Let's see what will be the conclusion of the ministry on this issue. The matter is currently under consideration. The proposal was made in response to rising fuel prices in the country.”
An average price for one liter of gasoline in Dushanbe has risen from 9.00 somonis in June to more than 10.00 somonis, with similar price rises in other parts of the country.
An average price for one liter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the country has risen from 5.2 somonis in June to more than 7.00 somonis.
“You should also take into account the costs of enterprises for the purchase of spare parts,” Ghaniyev said.
Dushanbe Administration analyzes the situation
Meanwhile, representatives of the Dushanbe administration say they are still analyzing the situation and are in no hurry to resolve the issue of raising public transport fares.
“Actually, we do not make suggestion on raising public transport fares to the Ministry of Transport. We can review public transport fares only on the basis of the conclusion of the Antimonopoly Agency. So far no action has been taken on our part,” Khairullo Kamolov, the head of the Dushanbe Transport Department, told Asia-Plus in an interview.
Meanwhile, a high-ranking official with the Dushanbe Administration has told Asia-Plus that the issue of raising public transport fares is being considered against the backdrop of rising fuel prices in the country.
Taxi drivers demand higher fares
Representatives of taxi companies operating in Tajikistan say taxi drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with the increase in fuel costs and now the issue of increasing the cost of taxi fares is being considered.
It is to be noted that so-called shared taxis have already raised fares from 5.00 somonis per set to 7.00 somonis per seat.
Shared taxis follow a set route. These cars don’t always show their numbers as they are not strictly legal. Often they flash their lights at you and display a number with their fingers or hold up a sign in their hands. Just wave your hand to get their attention. You pay at the beginning of the ride. They appreciate exact change.
