Some protesters tried to burn a Toyota Prius10 car on Sukhbaatar square in the center of Ulaanbaatar, earlier today (22^nd of May). The dangerous action was stopped by police and a fire engine arrived in the scene.

The ‘Association of Protecting Prius Importers’ demonstrated against the increase in car tax which the Mongolian Parliament has approved. Some protestors held banners with slogans such as ‘Stop the policy that is increasing poverty, Suspend car tax increase’.

The increase of four types of taxes came into effect starting 1st May. The excise tax on passenger cars will be increased depending on its date of manufacturing and engine size. However, excise tax on hybrid, electric and gasoline vehicles will be eased by 50 per cent; currently they are fully exempted from tax. 

Amendments to the 2017 State Budget, which were approved by  Parliament, laid out an increase in seven types of taxes, as the Government agreed with the International Monetary Fund in the scope of a three-year Extended Fund Facility.