ArmInfo. In the context of COVID-2019, the volume of cargo transportation continues to grow in Armenia amid the decline in passenger traffic. Thus, according to the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, cargo transportation in Armenia in January-May 2020 versus the same period last year increased by 5.3% - up to 5 117.1 thousand tons, of which 2973.7 thousand tons (58.3% of the total) accounted for by road transport, with a y-o-y miserable increase of 0.3%.
According to statistical data, rail freight for the reporting period increased by 14% - up to 1,312 thousand tons. While air transportation decreased by 19.7% - to 5.7 thousand tons. 815.5 thousand tons of natural gas were delivered via the main pipeline, which is 12.1% more than in the same period last year. Cargo turnover increased by 6.9% to 1,930.2 million ton/km.
At the same time, the opposite situation is observed in passenger traffic. During the reporting period, passenger traffic decreased by 49.2%- up to 39 870.4 thousand people, against growth by 4.6% a year earlier. In particular, road transport decreased by 49.8% to 33743.4 thousand people, rail transportation - by 18.1% - up to 116.5 thousand people, air transportation of passengers - 51.4% to 613.6 thousand people. Electric passenger transportation decreased during the reporting period by 45.8% to 5396.9 thousand people. Passenger turnover decreased by 48.9% to 516.1 million passenger-km.
To recall, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection in Armenia, a state of emergency was introduced on March 16, which was to last until July 13, but there is a high probability of an extension for another month. During the state of emergency, cargo transportation is carried out in normal mode, but international air, rail and bus services have not yet been resumed, which directly affects the tourism industry and related segments. And the extremely high uncertainty of the coronavirus situation further exacerbates expectations in the direction of the negative scenario.
