Philip Morris Georgia released a statement explaining the increase of the price for its cigarettes and tobacco and the created shortage of its products.

"In connection with rapidly increasing price for the products of Ltd. Philip Morris (including MARLBORO and PARLIAMENT), the Philip Morris Georgia wants to clarify that it has not increased the prices since August 2015 . Accordingly, Philip Morris Georgia agreed with the statement of the Ministry of Finance that the recent rise in prices of products of Philip Morris is not associated with an increased excise tax from 1 January. Consumer prices are set by the retailers and Philip Morris did not play any role in the increase of price in Georgia.

"We regret that our costumers were affected by circumstances and that our retailer partners were not supplied with sufficient reserves.

"Shortages were caused by recent delays in the distribution, which in turn is a result of the ongoing legal dispute, which will hopefully be completed soon," - is said in a statement.