Georgian Parliament’s fact-finding commission approves draft report on food, medicine, and fuel pricing

The temporary commission of the Parliament of Georgia, tasked with studying the pricing structure of essential goods - including food products, pharmaceuticals, and fuel - held a summary session to discuss its final draft report.

The session was chaired by Shota Berekashvili, who presented the document and detailed the findings and recommendations resulting from a three-month intensive study.

Berekashvili noted that the commission held meetings with up to 70 companies representing the main players in these sectors. In parallel, it examined the operational costs and business processes of more than 80 companies. Over a three-month period, field research and price monitoring of food products were conducted. The analysis helped identify how the Georgian market operates, as well as similarities and differences between Georgia and European markets.

He further presented the main findings for each sector and outlined recommendations, including the preparation of legislative amendments and measures to lower operational costs and optimise supply chains for local companies.

Berekashvili also explained that the conclusion was based on “strategic directions” that would be forwarded to the executive government for further detailed work.

During the discussion, commission secretary Eka Sepashvili from the People’s Power party proposed postponing the vote to allow more time for in-depth study of the recommendations.

“Let us allocate more time to study the issue in greater depth, obtain more information regarding specific recommendations, and only then support it”, she said.

Shalva Kereselidze, the chair of the For Georgia faction, announced that his team would not support the conclusion.

“If we want prices to begin decreasing in Georgia, healthy competition is essential. We will not sign the conclusion, and if you believe that prices in Georgia will start falling after the release of this report, I wish you success”, Kereselidze said.

Following the discussion, commission members voted on the draft document. The report was approved by the commission with 8 votes in favor and 6 against.