Armenia watchdog explains gasoline price increase

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Competition Protection Commission is monitoring developments in gasoline and diesel fuel markets, its spokesperson Ani Smbatyan said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

She noted that the increase in gasoline and diesel prices has economic grounds.

Smbatyan explained that the commission is studying gasoline and diesel prices, while the liquefied gas market is not under review as it is considered competitive, with more than 180 participants and no single company exceeding a 9% share.

As for gasoline, prices rose by 20–50 drams in April. Importing companies told the commission the increase was driven by higher fuel prices on international exchanges, which has been confirmed.

“The commission has conducted a preliminary study and concluded that companies have economic justification for raising prices. The review is ongoing; it is not a short-term process and takes about a month, and we continue to monitor market developments,” Smbatyan said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Economy said difficulties in the liquefied gas market are mainly due to logistical issues and urged citizens to avoid panic buying and rely on official information.