Despite the novel coronavirus pandemic, the goods transported through the transport hub of Georgia increased.
As an updated review by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia reads, in January-May 2020, the goods transported in the country equaled 15.5 million tonnes, i.e., 3.3% more than in the same period in 2019.
The number of containers processed in Georgia's ports equaled 232.5 thousand, i.e., 0.16% more than the same period last year.
In Jan - May 2020, the Poti port turnover equaled 3.4 million tonnes. Compared to January-May 2019, this indicator has not changed.
As for the other ports, they have shown increased rates:
Poti port - 3.4 million tonnes (0% change);
Kulevi terminal - 0.7 million tonnes (+ 16%);
Batumi seaport - 1.5 million tonnes (+ 15.3%);
Supsa maritime terminal - 1.8 million tonnes (+ 28.6%).
Despite the increase in the freight turnover, in the first quarter of 2020, the Georgian Railway company experienced severe losses.
Through this period, 4.6 million tonnes of cargo were transported by rail, i.e., 9.5% more than in 2019.
Under the financial statements for the first quarter, in January-March, the company's consolidated revenues equaled 122 million GEL, i.e., 23.7% more than the same period last year. However, the railroad expenses still grew, and the company observed a loss of GEL 163.5 million in the first quarter of 2020.
The primary sources of a cost increase were losses caused by an exchange rate difference, which equaled 188.9 million GEL.
Bela Gelashvili
News Author