DUSHANBE , July 7, Asia-Plus - Gasoline prices are continuing rising in Tajikistan .  Over the last month, gasoline prices in the republic have risen on average by 5 percent, according to information from Ministry of Economy and Trade.   

The source says the price hike has resulted from rising exchange rate of USD in Tajikistan .  According to him, the price of one liter of 96-octane gasoline in Dushanbe has risen from 2.00 Somonis on June 1 to 2.10 Somonis, the price of 95-octane gasoline has risen from 1.90 Somonis to 2.00 Somonis, and the price of 80-octane gasoline has risen from 1.70 Somonis to 1.80 Somonis, with similar price rises in other regions of the country.   

According to information from the Ministry of Economy and Trade , Tajikistan has imported 135,500 tons of fuel and lubricating materials worth US$66.7 million over the first five months of this year.  The totaled included US$31.1 million worth of 72,500 tons of gasoline (at the rate of US$430 per ton).  The source says compared to January-May 2005 Tajikistan imported fuels 12,000 tons fewer, while it paid for them US$15.8 million more. 

According to experts, it has been connected with the rising cost of petroleum products.