In case of Russian gas supply to Georgia Azerbaijani monopoly positions will be weakened: Narek Minasyan

YEREVAN, JANUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Gas recourses are serious factor for Azerbaijan to influence Georgia. Azerbaijan has a monopoly position in the gas market of Georgia today. If Georgia starts to buy gas from “Gazprom”, it will mean that Azerbaijan’s monopoly positions will be weakened. Theexpertof theanalytical center"Insight"Narek Minasyan made such remark in the interview with “Armenpress” referring to Georgian authorities’ attempts to find an alternative to the Azerbaijani gas.

- What is the reason of the latest attempt by the Georgian authorities in finding an alternative to Azerbaijani gas? Are there any problems between Azerbaijan and Georgia?

-Georgian authorities’ attempt to find an alternative to Azerbaijani gas fits within the framework of economic calculations. As the result of Georgian-Russian negotiations, it became clear that Russia is ready to supply gas at more affordable prices than Azerbaijan supplies. Of course, in economic terms it is advantageous to buy the most affordable gas. If we consider deliveries of Azerbaijani gas to Georgia, then we see that there are 5 different gas prices. So Russian gas will replace the most expensive gas coming from Azerbaijan. Naturally, Russian gas will not completely cover Georgia’s demand.

- We witnessed Azerbaijan’s anxiety. Are we talking here only about the economic damage or there are losses also in geopolitical terms?

-Azerbaijan’s concern is mostly conditioned by geopolitical factors. The point is that these gas resources are serious factor for Azerbaijan to influence Georgia. Besides, let us not forget that Azerbaijan has monopoly position in the gas market of Georgia. According to some calculations, If Georgia starts to buy gas from “Gazprom” that will cover the 20% of Georgian market. A situation will be created when Georgian dependence on Azerbaijani gas will relatively decrease. In the current situation when it is talked about Iranian gas supply to Georgia except of Russian gas then Azerbaijani is worried about it.