Disagreements over tariffs on the transit of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia via Georgian territory remain unresolved. Baku has expressed its dissatisfaction through media outlets under its control, criticizing Tbilisi for imposing what it calls an “excessively high” fee, while later offering only a single free shipment.
Azerbaijani economist Emin Garibli (UNEC) told Minval Politika that Georgia’s approach could undermine its role as a regional transit hub.
Garibli emphasized that the notion of Georgia holding a logistical monopoly in the region no longer reflects reality:
“Georgia already faces competitors, including Iran, which seeks to route part of the transit through its own territory. If the Middle Corridor is strengthened, Georgia will benefit. If the Zangezur Corridor becomes active, Armenia will benefit. Therefore, thoughtless steps could harm Georgia’s economy in the future,” he said.
According to Garibli, Azerbaijan has already reconsidered viewing Georgia as the sole transit route and has begun diversifying transit routes.
He warned that Tbilisi’s “ineffective” stance on the current dispute could damage Georgia’s investment appeal:
“If the business sector sees that Georgia’s transit policy is unstable, it will harm the country’s reputation and may open opportunities for other states,” he said.
The economist expressed hope that the issue will be resolved at the governmental level, noting that the uncertainty is harming regional economic processes.
Recently, Azerbaijani pro-government media accused Georgia of pursuing a policy that undermines peace and published details of the transit conflict. According to these reports, Baku is surprised and angered by Tbilisi’s imposition of what it considers unrealistically high fees for Azerbaijani fuel transiting to Armenia. The media further claimed that Georgia’s stance obstructs efforts to maintain peace among neighboring states.