Deputy Energy Minister Mariam Valishvili announced that the Georgian Energy Ministry does not consider SOCAR to be a monopoly on the Georgian gas market.
Azerbaijani sources report that the question of SOCAR Energy Georgia being monopolist in the gas market of Georgia became primary after SOCAR purchased Itera Georgia.
The Energy Ministry said that the fact of Itera Georgia attaining SOCAR does not change anything in the market.
Deputy Minister Mariyam Valishvili noted that SOCAR supplied gas to the company also before the transaction. In general Azerbaijani company supplies the whole Georgia.
Valishvili also referred to tariff policy in the country, which is controlled by a special commission and said that the company will not be able to avoid responsibility in the case of a monopoly.
Recall that SOCAR has 30 gas distribution networks in Georgia, and about 100 units of gas stations and an oil terminal in Georgia – Kulevi.
