Fuel prices have decreased, but travel costs have not

Authorities explained why fuel prices have decreased, but the cost of transportation remains unchanged.

Photo: Internet

At a press conference in Dushanbe on February 1, Tajikistan’s Minister of Transport Azim Ibrohim stated that the price of fuel is currently almost at the same level as in spring 2021, when the last transportation fares were set after being agreed upon with the country’s antimonopoly service.

According to him, even if fuel prices and transportation costs “differ slightly” during this period, from spring 2021 to the present, the maintenance and servicing of vehicles have increased, including prices for spare parts and other expenses.

The minister emphasized that the profit margin for passenger carriers currently stands at 10-15%.

According to the country’s statistics agency, gasoline prices decreased by 27.9% in December 2022, liquefied gas by 27.3%, while diesel fuel increased by 11.9%.

Residents report that liquefied gas prices slightly decreased in mid-January, but other types of fuel remained unchanged.

At some gas stations in the country, the price for a liter of liquefied gas is 3.40 somoni, AI-92 gasoline is 7.70 somoni, AI-95 is 8 somoni, and diesel fuel is 11.40 somoni.

The cost of transportation and the quality of services in the passenger transport sector in the country, especially in the city of Dushanbe, have always sparked discussions among residents. Previously, authorities and vehicle owners linked the high cost of services to fuel prices. Residents claim that the quality of services does not correspond to the fare prices.