Nagorno-Karabakh Ombudsperson reports humanitarian problems due to three-day gas supply outage

Disruptions in gas supply have led to humanitarian problems; it violates the human right to a normal life, the Nagorno-Karabakh Ombudsperson has stated, noting that Azerbaijan interferes with repair works on the gas pipeline from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. Local residents are forced to use gasoline instead of gas to fuel their cars and use wood-burning stoves for heating and cooking.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 8, an accident occurred at the Shushi-Zariflu gas pipeline, due to which the gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh was stopped.

"Azerbaijan's refusal to let repairmen to the accident venue is a gross violation of human rights," Gegam Stepanyan, the Nagorno-Karabakh Ombudsperson has stated.

He has added that a number of educational establishments, government agencies, and medical institutions are forced to switch to heating with alternative sources.

Aik Grigoryan, a resident of Stepanakert, said that he had used to fill his car with gas, but now switched to gasoline. According to his story, it is more expensive, so he tries to use the car only when necessary.

Djulietta Gabrielyan has a large family; and they go to the grocery store several times a day to buy bread.