OREANDA-NEWS.  The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) continues developing a segment of the retail fuel trade, which is new for it.

SOCAR informs that the Company opened its second CNG station in Georgia on 22 February.

"The CNG station was opened in Tbilisi, and we will continue developing a network of such gas stations due to the popularity of compressed natural gas as motor fuel in Georgia," the Company said.

The first CNG station was opened by SOCAR in Georgia on 19 December 2012. At the moment, SOCAR has a network of 102 gas stations in Georgia.

"Next week it is expected opening of two more SOCAR petrol stations in the country," the Company said.

At the end of 2012 four CNG stations were in the process of construction in Georgia.

Earlier the Supervisory Board of SOCAR Energy Georgia gave permission on construction of CNG stations by company SOCAR Georgia Petroleum.

It will tell positively on the dynamics of filling stations in Georgia under SOCAR brand. Due to CNG stations, overall filling station net in Georgia (with taking into account the petrol stations) can be increased up to 110.

Originally SOCAR planned to open its own network of CNG filling stations in Georgia through SOCAR Georgia Petroleum in 2012-13. At primary stage their quantity was expected to reach 15.

Company’s interest to them is linked with popularity of CNG as engine fuel in Georgia.

The SOCAR petrol stations in Georgia are employing over 1,142 people. In case the network expands up to 100 stations by late 2012, their staff will increase up to 1,582 people. For the last 4 years SOCAR Georgia Petroleum has been recognized Georgia’s largest taxpayer. The Company has certificate ISO 9001: 2008.