Yerevan Bus Company Accused of Massive Diesel Overpayment: An Investigative Report
Yerevan, Armenia – A serious accusation has been leveled against ‘Yerevan Bus’ CJSC, alleging that the municipal company has significantly overpaid for a large quantity of diesel fuel. Mesrop Manukyan, a prominent member of the ‘Mother Armenia’ faction in the Yerevan City Council and a parliamentary candidate for the ‘Armenia’ bloc, revealed in a video posted on his Facebook page that the company acquired 500,000 liters of diesel at a price substantially higher than current market rates.
The Allegation: 60 Million AMD Overpayment
According to Manukyan, on May 6, ‘Yerevan Bus’ CJSC purchased the 500,000 liters of diesel through a single-source procurement procedure, paying 545 AMD per liter. This price, he asserts, is considerably higher than the 510-520 AMD per liter currently observed at Yerevan’s gas stations. Manukyan, drawing on his experience as a company director who procures fuel, further claims that wholesale purchases should typically be 15-20 percent cheaper than retail prices.
“As a company director who buys both diesel and gasoline for his company, I can say that these people bought one liter for about 120 drams more expensive. This means they bought it for about 60 million drams more expensive,” Manukyan stated, highlighting the alleged discrepancy.
Call for Investigation and Lack of Official Response
Manukyan has formally addressed law enforcement agencies, urging them to consider his statement as a report of a crime. The severity of the accusation, hinting at potential corruption or mismanagement of public funds, necessitates a thorough investigation.
Sputnik Armenia attempted to obtain a comment from the Yerevan City Hall regarding these allegations but has yet to receive a response. The silence from the municipal authorities only adds to the urgency of a transparent inquiry into the matter.
Context: Public Procurement and Transparency Concerns
This incident raises broader concerns about the transparency and efficiency of public procurement processes within Yerevan’s municipal structures. When a public entity like ‘Yerevan Bus’ CJSC, responsible for essential public services, is accused of such a substantial overpayment, it erodes public trust and demands immediate attention from oversight bodies.
The ‘Mother Armenia’ faction and other opposition groups have consistently advocated for greater accountability and transparency in government spending. This latest revelation is likely to fuel further calls for reforms in how public contracts are awarded and managed.
The Financial Impact on the City
An alleged overpayment of 60 million AMD represents a significant sum for a city’s budget, especially when allocated for a recurring expense like fuel. Such funds, if indeed misspent, could have been directed towards improving public services, infrastructure, or other critical areas benefiting Yerevan’s residents.
The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining the integrity of public procurement practices in Yerevan and the accountability of those responsible for managing public resources.
Source: golosarmenii.am
