On Tuesday, officials with the Consumers Rights Protection Association announced they have sent a note to the Government saying petroleum importers have increased gasoline prices for no good reason. Association Secretary General D.Chuluunbaatar spoke with our correspondent about the issue.

Q: What demands have you made in the note?

A: Firstly, we have demanded that the state commission or council that decides prices and tariffs should include representatives of consumers when discussing price issues, because citizens’ voices and participation have been lacking in decision-making bodies. Secondly, the note demands the establishment of a council to monitor unfair competition under the Authority for Fair Competition and Consumers, because such a council is needed to check prices. Thirdly, the Government should urgently address petroleum import issues, and we have demanded Parliament support initiation of a draft law on petroleum imports by the state.

Q: If the Government refuses the note, what will you do?

A: The association hopes the Government will issue positive decisions, because what we are demanding is for consumers and the people’s welfare. It is true that petroleum importers have had monopoly rights and they have taken advantage of consumers by conspiring to increase gasoline prices. If the Government will not take measures, the association will continue its fight in other ways.

Q: The Confederation of Trade Unions says it will hold a protest demonstration on Friday. Will you join it?

A: Certainly, the association will join the demonstration, and it appeals to all citizens to take part in it. The association was established to protect consumers’ rights and it will be the people’s voice in the demonstration.

Q: The note demands consumer representatives be included on the state council to set up prices. Would those representatives be from the association?

A: No, representatives could be any citizen. But a representative of the association would also be involved, though association members would not seek benefits for themselves. Our goal is to protect consumers’ rights because food prices have been rising along with gasoline prices. But petroleum importers have not paid fines and they have not been held accountable by the state. Therefore, the association demands the state pay more attention to large companies.