Prices for meat, sugar and grain to go up
The advance in prices for staple goods and foodstuffs is not determined by economic factors, according to economist Vahagn Khachatryan.
He cited the example of unprecedented rise in egg prices on the eve of New Year.
"This came to show that there are not free and equal economic conditions in the country. Seizing the opportunity, the authorities increased egg prices to earn super profit. Unless the government starts a serious combat against the monopoly, we shall witness new price hikes in the country."
Prices for eggs went down abruptly after the New Year fuss, when an egg was sold at AMD 120.
According to Mr. Khachatryan, landslide of prices is not resulted by the competition.
"Poultry plants enriched their pockets and now they have decided to sell eggs at an average price."
The economist says the prices for meat, sugar and grain will go up in the nearest future.
"All these products are imported to Armenia from abroad by one person [MP Samvel Alexanyan]. The new prices will be set by the importer and not by the market."
The authorities prefer to deal with one economic entity who is presented as a philanthropist, shown on television and praised highly.
Boosting the monopoly the authorities make entrepreneurs obliging during the elections.
Speaking about the expected rise in gas prices, Vahagn Khachatryan said, "I am convinced that the prices will go up. ArmRosGazprom's arguments are unfounded. Gas consumption has already dropped by 30%. If prices continue to rise, consumers will have to draw in their spending even further."
"The rise in gas prices will increase electricity tariffs. The authorities' policy does not only threaten the economy, but also the state," Vahagn Khachatryan concluded.
