The Russian side has tightened control at the Upper Lars checkpoint for more than two weeks now, causing Armenian trucks to stand on the Georgian side for more than ten days.

A driver who has been queuing for 18 days told NEWS.am that only 30-40 vehicles are checked on the Russian checkpoint a day instead of the previous 300.

"The trucks also contain perishable goods, because of which some exporters had to return to Armenia. Now they check all vehicles, which was not the case before.

Previously it took me 3-4 days to get to Moscow, but now I didn't even get to the checkpoint. The goods are in the refrigerator, but there is a risk of spoilage. We sleep in cars, the weather is cold, there are no conditions," he said.

Armenian agencies have no comment on what steps they plan to take to help Armenian exporters. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure pointed out that the problem is not in their competence.

The State Revenue Committee said that the newly appointed customs attaché at the checkpoint, Vahan Hakobyan, is scheduled to be introduced to the head of the Russian Federal Customs Service next week, after which Hakobyan will take up his duties.