MP: Rise in Prices Does Not Stand Reasonable Explanation

Baku / 07.08.18 / Turan: There is no reasonable explanation for the increase in prices for public transport, the head of the Great Establishment party, MP of Azerbaijan Fazil Mustafa said.

According to him, the Tariff Council did not give substantial reasons to increase the cost of travel by bus and metro from August 1.

"Oil prices are not at a crisis level. The manat remains stable against the dollar. There are no changes in the well-being of people, wages have not been raised, and incomes have not grown. Therefore, there was no need to increase the price of travel," Mustafa said.

He considers that the argument of officials that the prices in Azerbaijan are substantially lower than European ones, even after the increase in tariffs, is untenable. He drew attention to the fact that wages in Azerbaijan are 10 times lower compared to European ones. Therefore, the increase in tariffs is a blow to low-income segments of the population - teachers, doctors, etc.

Mustafa also criticized the government's decision of July 31 to increase the fee for registration of mobile phones imported in Azerbaijan for personal use.

"A sharp increase in duties serves the interests of forces seeking to keep this market under control," Mustafa said.

Recall that since August 1, fares for travel in the metro, as well as on city, suburban and intercity buses have increased by 50%.

On July 31, the Cabinet of Ministers increased tariffs for registration of mobile devices imported for personal use from 5 manat to 20-150 manat, depending on phone models. -06D--