The extended meeting over the known decision on the increase in prices, energy carriers in particular, which was recently taken by the Azerbaijan Tariff Council on January 6, 2007, has been held today. The meeting was headed by Arthur Rasizadeh, Azerbaijan Prime-Minister.
Trend has been informed by the Government, that consequences which were caused by the recent increase in prices, as well as ways on eliminating these problems were discussed during the meeting.
By the decision of the Tariff Council, starting from January 8, 2007, the tariffs on public utilities rose by 2-3 times. On the other hand, issues on social protection due to the increase in the price were the key topic of the discussion. Particularly, it is proposed to increase the amount of minimal wage, the criterion of need on state address social allowance, compensations, particularly on fuel for agriculture.
Azer Bayramov, Deputy Azerbaijan Finance Minister, informed Trend that due to the probable additional expenditures from the State Budget, it is not necessary to review the forecast at the existing stage. If necessary, the State Budget might be corrected till the middle of the year.
In 2007, the Government is expected to increase the average wage by 20%, expenditures on social protection by 40%. At the same time, 150 mln.AZN have been put in the State Budget on social protection of the population. 220 mln. will be received by the Treasury of the Country due to the advance in the prices.