Civil society demands to stop "robbery and speculation"

Baku/01.07.21/Turan: The Movement for Democracy and Prosperity (MDP) sharply condemned the decision of the Tariff Council to revise prices for the use of natural gas for the population.

In particular, a negative reaction was caused by a decrease in the limit on the minimum tariff of 10 qepik per one cubic meter of gas (from 2,200 to 1,200 cubic meters per year).

Now, over 1200 cubic meters, the price will double.  The MDP recalls that on April 30, 2019, the application of the minimum tariff was increased from 1,700 to 2,200 cubic meters of gas.

“The question is what has been the increase in income of the population over the past 15 months that the limit has been reduced from 2200 cubic meters to 1200 cubic meters? According to the State Statistics Committee, per capita income in January-May 2021 decreased by 1.3% compared to January-May 2020. A further increase in the already high gas tariffs will undoubtedly cause a sharp increase in the expenses of the  majority of the population, and especially pensioners, the poor, and the unemployed. This will increase social tension in society, reduce jobs, increase the rise in prices for food and medicine, and increase the number of dissatisfied with the government,” the document says.

The government explains the increase in water and gas tariffs by the fact that these sectors are unprofitable. However, the reason for this is corruption and poor governance. The MDP demands that the government put an end to the policy of “robbery and speculation, revise gas tariffs for the population and cancel the decision of the Tariff Council of June 30, 2021.

The MDP was created in February 2015. The organization is headed by Doctor of Economics Gubad Ibadoglu. —06D-