Artsakh resident: It’s easier to find AB negative blood, than fuel

At the moment, the most acute problem facing Artsakh is that of diesel fuel and gasoline supplies. Resident of Martuni region of Artsakh Pavel Avagyan said this in his meeting with ABC Media.

“We have a flour shortage as well. There is bread in stores and flour in bakeries. Bread is supplied to people. However, they can’t buy flour and make bread at home. This is done, so that one person will not buy 10 tons of flour,” said Pavel Avagyan.

As he stated, weather conditions are favorable there, and harvest time is in full swing now, which helps with having fresh vegetables.

“We have already started harvesting eggplant, cucumber, beans, pepper, tomato and other vegetables. Our major concern is fuel and household cleaning supplies. We also have a shortage of soap and detergent. We have great difficulty finding this kind of products. We have food, we grow it ourselves. Our overriding concern is fuel. I’m a butcher, but at the moment I’m out of gasoline and am not able to go to the neighboring village, butcher animals and bring the meat with me,” the resident of Martuni said.

According to Pavel Avagyan, they have already harvested the barley, but the harvest was poor. As for the rest, regions are supplied with everything.

“We have no shortage of food supplies. However, the situation in Stepanakert and Askeran is grave. We survive on our harvest. We perfectly knew what was there in store for us, and were prepared for this. Therefore, we didn’t leave a single centimeter of land uncultivated. However, there, in Stepanakert and Askeran, there are no lands to be sown or cultivated. Indeed, they can buy food, but costs are two or three times higher. As for gasoline, it is completely out of stock. It is impossible to buy one liter of gasoline for 2000 or 3000 drams. As for bread, one can buy a loaf for 200 drams, but even if you are ready to pay 1000 drams for one kilogram of flour, you will not be able to find it. It’s easier to find AB negative blood, than fuel,” said the resident.

According to the resident of Martuni, everyone knows and helps each other there.

“Today I’m giving someone money for 50 loaves of bread, and tomorrow they will help me, if need be. Those who have relatives abroad, are sent money. Otherwise, no one will be able to survive on pension, considering the high prices. It is by no means possible. They say, banks will soon stop their operations as well. We don’t know what will become of us,” said Pavel Avagyan.

Due to intermittent power outages, another problem facing them is that of drinking water. 

“When electricity is cut off, water doesn’t flow through water pumps. The issue of drinking water is grave. Power is cut off every day. Sometimes, it is provided for two hours a day. Before people can notice that there is water, it is cut off,” said Pavel Avagyan