Some gas stations raised the price of a liter of gasoline by about MNT 270 over the weekend. The stations blame the rise on the falling price of the tugrik in international currency trading.

But Sod Mongol and Petrovis LLCs have not increased their prices, and the Authority for Fair Competition and Consumer Protection (AFCCP) has not explained the discrepancy.

The head of the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority earlier said that fuel prices will be stable because of a long-term contract with Russia. Also, Mongol Bank managing officials have said that the currency rate changes were temporary due to the New Year’s holiday.

But some worry that the rising gas prices portend larger economic problems that could most acutely affect elderly and disabled people still waiting for their MNT 1 million allowance, as well private sector workers and the unemployed.

The rising gas prices come just as the Government has proclaimed 2012 a year of support for households.