Government to Pay Increased Tax on Electricity

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 16, 2002) – Georgian President made a public statement at the National Security Council’s meeting today that the government would pay increased tax on electricity.

Tax on electricity in Georgian capital will increase with 1,3 Tetri and will consist 13.7 Tetri (US 6.2 cents) from September 1. According to the Georgian President additional 1,3 Tetri will be paid by the government. He said that this sum would be covered from the financial assistance granted to Georgia by the United States.

“It is inadmissible to let the population pay increased tax on electricity,” President said, though he did not clarify how long the US assistance of USD 9 million would be enough for covering increased tax on electricity.