Georgian Lari on Wednesday in commercial banks and exchange offices in Tbilisi traded at level 2, 50 for $ 1, which is close to minimum 16 years ago, reports journalist OPINION in the Georgian capital.
Devaluation began in late autumn of last year, at the time for $ 1 gave 1, 80 Lari.
The authorities speak about the fact that the situation is caused by external shocks, the difficult economic and political situation on the trading market main partners - Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and other countries, the decline in imports, and Also criticized the national Bank because he ineffectively responds to what is happening. However, shopping facilities in Georgia last week permanently rising prices for food and essential goods imported from abroad. From the beginning of September due to the devaluation of the Lari, as previously reported by the print edition opinion, a very fast increase in the Electricity tariffs for the citizens of Tbilisi. Until now, minimally consumers paid for electricity 8, 034 tetri per kilowatt, the maximum ? 16, 992, depending on the number of consumed electrical energy. Now the minimum fare will be 12, 980 (5, 4 cents), the maximum ? 21, 476 (9 cents). Electricity almost half a million customers Tbilisi Firm distributes Telasi, its 75% owned by " inter RAO UES ", and 25 ? the state. Opposing political force speaks about the ineffectiveness of the government, reducing investment and agitates people to go to demonstrations of disagreement." Gel has reached a critical level, - said the expert on economic issues Levan Kalandadze.- have the ability to cause serious inflation. Also of note is the irresponsible policy of the National Bank, which does not respond properly, has no communication With the society that creates even more negative expectations." According to him, such expectations, for its part, " generate panic insinuatio on the market." Specialist agitates NB to use foreign currency reserves to relieve the panic. Levan Kalandadze said that the inflation rate for this year was scheduled at five percent, but this figure has already been passed that says about the "serious risks" and " quite possible currency crises ". Another specialist in the field of Economics Emzar jgerenaia said that NB is required, Before the end of the year in a phased manner to intervene in the amount of 100 million dollars. According to his statement, "the national Bank does not intervene With may of the current year, and now is the time to do it. ""we must reduce the demand for dollars and bring down panic," he said. Differently, according to the forecasts of Emzar jgerenaia, the Lari exchange rate will deteriorate even more.

sections: Politics