Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Turkmenistan intends to stop issuing free gasoline coupons for cars and motorcycle owners.

Issuing coupons will come to an end on July 1, 2014 under the decree of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.

The decree noted that it will serve "the goals of progressive development of national economy, achieving reasonable use of petroleum products, and streamlining the regulation of its implementation in the domestic market."

Turkmenistan's authorized banking institutions issue limited coupons for gasoline and diesel fuel every six months. Coupons are provided for free gasoline (A-95) for each car in the total amount of 720 liters (120 liters per month).

The measure is done by the presidential decree 'On regulating issuance of gasoline and diesel fuel to owners of individual passenger vehicles and motorcycles'.

Government authorities explained those benefits with the fact that all gasoline is produced in the Turkmen territory.

Anyone with a Turkmen passport, vehicle registration, and a driver's license is able to receive coupons from banks that will entitle them to receive free gasoline. A driver's license was previously not needed.

Car owners receive coupons for 120 liters of free gasoline every month, while owners of trucks, tractors, and buses receive 200 liters and motorcyclists get 40 liters.

However, local Turkmen media reported earlier that some people acquire and formalize dozens of vehicles for their relatives, using them to gain the free fuel provided by the government.

Using free fuel for profit, these people only pursue personal benefits and seek to avoid taxed which should be paid in accordance with the applicable legislation in the country.

The first decree granting Turkmen citizens with free gasoline was adopted in February 2008.