TBILISI, August 17 – A Georgian company denies having delivered a shipment of gasoline to Russian-backed Abkhazia.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed on August 12 that a private Georgian company had sent fuel to Abkhazia, where shortages had emerged. He stressed that no state agency was involved and said the shipment complied with Georgian law, including legislation governing the occupied territories. He did not identify the company or disclose the volume.
Solidus, a Georgian company with special authorization to conduct economic activity in Abkhazia, was identified as the company taking the fuel across the Enguri Bridge. Its owner, Giorgi Arveladze, said the shipment amounted to about 300 tons and was being supplied to Abkhaz partners.
Repsol, the Georgian company that operates Connect filling stations, later said Solidus had bought the gasoline from it. Repsol denied making any direct delivery to Abkhazia, saying Solidus had paid for the fuel and was removing it in stages. Repsol said it was not involved in deciding where Solidus ultimately sold the petroleum products.
But opposition politicians have questioned whether the gasoline remained in Abkhazia. Lelo-Strong Georgia politician Tazo Datunashvili alleged on Monday that fuel entering through Enguri was subsequently taken toward the Psou crossing and into Russia. He presented this as sanctions evasion and assistance to Russia.
For Georgia MP Ketevan Bakaradze took a more cautious position. She said her party had information from both sides of the dividing line that raised questions about the shipment’s final recipient, but would withhold judgment until the government provided answers. She asked whether the fuel had undergone customs procedures and whether it was intended for public needs, critical infrastructure or medical facilities.
Georgian Dream MP Archil Gorduladze defended the transaction, saying Georgian law allows products to be supplied from government-controlled territory to Abkhazia when the required special status is held. He said the business had acted legally.
The controversy comes amid a fuel shortage affecting Abkhazia and parts of Russia, after Ukraine began targeting its petroleum infrastructure.
Georgia considers Abkhazia part of its sovereign territory under Russian occupation. Russia recognized Abkhazia as an independent state after the 2008 war, a status rejected by Tbilisi and most of the international community.
