The State Audit Office of Georgia reports that more than GEL 7.1 million in bonuses issued at the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation in 2022–2023 were not properly justified.
The audit reviews the corporation’s financial and economic activities for compliance with legislation and identifies shortcomings in business planning, procurement, remuneration, business travel, asset management, and fuel consumption.
The report states that 61 employees crossed the state border without taking leave and were not officially on business trips. Based on border data, wages paid for unjustified absences totaled GEL 139,723.
The audit says GEL 7,184,584 in bonuses issued during the period lacked proper substantiation. In 2022, GEL 725,106 was paid to management without meeting legal requirements or agreement with the partner. In 2023, GEL 945,706 in management bonuses was issued without a regulated approval mechanism.
The report also highlights risks related to non-staff employees. It states that 53 such employees in 2022 and 64 in 2023 had no documented or recorded work, raising concerns over the proper use of funds.
“Different wage rates set for employees in the same position… cannot ensure transparency of wage policy and create the possibility of unfair compensation for labor,” the audit states.
The audit identifies additional issues in business travel expenses, noting that in some cases written reports were not submitted after trips abroad. It also says expenses of GEL 21,060 and GEL 24,348 linked to the First Deputy Minister of Economy were not properly justified.
Despite cash shortages in 2022–2023, the corporation incurred GEL 822,503 in non-core expenses, the report states.
The audit finds that the corporation owns 19 more vehicles than allowed under government norms, with some assigned to officials not entitled to them. It also notes that fuel management rules are inconsistent, creating risks of misuse. The findings show that 30,332 liters of fuel were filled during non-working hours, vacations, or business trips without proper justification.
The report says the corporation failed to submit business plans to the Ministry of Economy on time and incurred expenses without an approved budget or partner agreement.
The audit also notes delays in completing infrastructure projects, warning that this “may negatively affect the proper functioning of the gas transportation system and the uninterrupted supply of natural gas.”
The corporation says delays were caused by financial difficulties, land registration issues, ongoing litigation, and other factors.
The audit further raises concerns about procurements carried out under special procedures, noting risks to the efficient and economical use of funds, particularly in relation to vehicle transfers and oil transportation services on the Samgori Arch.
In 2022–2023, the corporation was headed by Giorgi Chikovani, who was replaced in 2025 by Ekaterine Sisauri. Sisauri previously served as the corporation’s Director for Financial and Property Management.
