Armenian official addresses speculation over Russian gas tariff change

Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan addressed speculation about a possible increase in the price of imported Russian gas.

Speaking at a press briefing, Simonyan was asked what the Armenian authorities would do if Russia decided to raise the gas price.

“We have said, and will maintain, the position that we have four neighboring countries, and if a fifth country offers to supply us with gas through transit, we will consider that offer. The price of gas also includes a political component. We are not prepared, and will no longer be prepared, to depend on a single pipeline or a single pressure point, and we will pursue the process of diversifying all sectors of Armenia’s economy,” Simonyan said.

The Security Council Secretary emphasized that the Republic of Armenia is an independent country that forms its government through the choice of its people and has no conflict that could be used to generate political processes in Armenia or steer political processes in any direction.

“The Republic of Armenia will preserve its sovereignty. Our partners in the Russian Federation also constantly say that this is your sovereign right to decide. The Republic of Armenia has not compromised and will not compromise its interests,” he said.

Consumers in Armenia currently pay AMD 143.7 per cubic meter of gas. Socially vulnerable groups pay a subsidized tariff of AMD 100.