Armenian drivers complain of fines in Georgia, fuel restrictions in Iran

Armenian drivers have reported issues with fines in Georgia, while the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia is discussing fuel supply matters with Iranian authorities.

Deputy Minister Armen Simonyan confirmed the talks with Iranian counterparts, responding to questions from Armenian parliamentarian Armen Khachatryan of the Civil Contract party, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

Armenian truck drivers have reportedly been required to enter Iran with nearly empty fuel tanks and purchase diesel locally, paying the difference between Armenian and Iranian diesel prices.

Simonyan explained that diesel in Iran is heavily subsidised for Iranian citizens, making it several times cheaper than the market rate, but foreign drivers are expected to cover the difference. He added that, according to Iranian officials, local drivers leaving the country must also pay the unsubsidised rate.

Separately, independent MP Gegam Nazaryan reported receiving complaints from Armenian motorists who travelled to Georgia. Many said they were fined for traffic violations, and if fines were not paid promptly, penalties accrued over time. Some drivers claimed that Georgian border officials did not inform them of outstanding fines when they returned to Armenia.

Responding to the concerns, Simonyan recounted his own recent trip to Georgia by car. “At the Georgian checkpoint on my return, I was informed that I had violated a rule by driving in a bus lane. I paid the fine and left for Armenia.

This is the first time I have heard of the issues you mentioned, but I will raise them with my Georgian colleagues,” he said.

Simonyan declined to comment on recent traffic congestion at the Armenian-Iranian border.

By Aghakazim Guliyev