The de facto authorities in Georgia’s Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia say they did not obstruct the import of fuel from Georgian-controlled territory as the region continues to face supply difficulties.
Abkhaz news agency Apsnypress said it approached the de facto government for comment following a statement by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze concerning fuel supplies to the occupied region.
The de facto authorities say fuel deliveries from Russia are continuing within contracted volumes, with 1,100 tons of gasoline arriving from Russia on Wednesday. However, they acknowledged that external difficulties continue to affect the planned delivery schedule.
“In view of the existing external difficulties, increased demand for fuel during the summer season and the need to prevent an acute fuel shortage that could negatively affect the functioning of important social institutions, the possibility of importing motor fuel and other petroleum products from alternative sources is being considered,” the de facto government said.
It added that established fuel supply channels are currently experiencing problems despite Abkhazia being among the territories permitted to receive Russian petroleum exports.
Based on the statement, participants in the region’s fuel market found an opportunity to bring fuel through Georgian-controlled territory.
“In order to ease the current situation, it was decided not to obstruct the import of motor fuel from the territory of Georgia,” the de facto authorities said.
They claimed that similar arrangements had been used during previous crises, adding that in the post-war period of the 1990s, fuel had also been supplied from Abkhazia to the rest of Georgia.
The de facto government said it would not prevent fuel and lubricants from being imported from other countries and was prepared to assist market participants in arranging such supplies.
Abkhazia has faced renewed fuel supply problems in recent days. The de facto authorities have maintained that deliveries from Russia are continuing and that there is currently no immediate risk of existing fuel reserves being completely exhausted.
Russia recognized Abkhazia as an independent state following the August 2008 war. Georgia and most of the international community regard the region as part of Georgia under Russian occupation.
Related story: Kobakhidze confirms fuel supplied to occupied Abkhazia from Georgian-controlled territory
