Oil and oil products transportation by railroad is less effective economically than Baku-Poti and Baku-Batumi, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijan State Railroad.
ASR representatives said this is explained with distance and time that are the factors for fees rising. Besides, oil transportation from Baku to Georgian ports only one border should be crossed.
Officials of Azeri Transport Ministry told Trend Georgia was anxious that opening Baku-Tbilisi-Ahalkalaki-Kars railroad communication will result in most cargos withdrawal from Poti and Batumi. However, Azeri officials said, Poti and Batumi mainly receive oil and oil products, while Baku-Tbilisi-Ahalkalaki-Kars will mainly process dry cargos. Georgia and Kazakhstan already signed a protocol to ensure transportation along this transport corridor.
The final decision on drawing TEO for Baku-Tbilisi-Ahalkalaki-Kars railroad will be made at the 27 July meeting in Kazakhstan. By this time, Georgia shall decide on approving some version of TEO and make necessary revisions, governmental officials said. After that, the parties will make a decision on the further development of this transport route.