05:08, 2 August 2014

Torchlight marchers in Yerevan demand to cancel rise of electricity tariffs

Participants of a torchlight march against increase of electricity tariffs. Yerevan, August 1, 2014. Photo by Arman Garibyan, "Journalists for human rights", http://forrights.am/

A torchlight march against increase of electricity tariffs was held in Yerevan, organized by the respective initiative group and attended by several dozen people.

Let us remind you that on July 1, the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) decided to enforce a 10-percent increase in electricity tariffs starting from August 1 this year, that is, instead of 38 drams per 1 kWh, Armenian citizens will pay 42 drams.

The marchers demanded from the government to recall – before the first week of September – the decision of the PSRC and restore the old tariffs, and set up an independent commission to study the issue of tariffs.

The event was collecting signatures against the increase in electricity tariffs. The march was attended by members of political parties, among them: Raffi Ovannisyan, the leader of the "Heritage" Party; and Vage Enfiadjyan, an MP from the "Prosperous Armenia" Party.

As stated by Enfiadjyan, an increase in electricity tariffs will inevitably result in higher prices on goods and services.

Protests against the increase of tariff were also held on June 23 and July 1.

Author: Armine Martirosyan

Source: CK correspondent