Energy Minister Backs Merger of State Energy Companies

Georgian Energy Ministry Nika Gilauri said on March 22 that merger of three state-run energy companies is aimed at better coordination and management of the sector and the decision has nothing to do with the opposition’s allegations that the authorities’ plan to sell the country’s trunk gas pipeline.

He also said that the process of merger of Georgian International Gas Corporation (GIGC), Georgian International Oil Corporation (GIOC) and Georgian state oil company SakNavtobi is launched.

Gilauri also said that the state can not afford itself to run these three structures with similar functions. “We have not so much gas or oil,” he added.