Despite blackmail from Moscow, Pashinyan announced a search for an alternative to Russian gas
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the country may review prices for certain goods and services if the cost of Russian gas for Armenia increases. He made this remark on September 11 during a briefing following a government meeting.
According to Pashinyan, gas in Armenia is already expensive, and its pricing from the border to the end consumer is among the highest compared to other countries. He also noted that Gazprom Armenia is a profitable company.
“If a situation arises that calls for a price increase, we will also look into what we can raise the price on, or, for example, which services that have so far been provided free of charge might become subject to a fee,” the prime minister said.
At the same time, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia will continue to diversify its gas supply sources regardless of whether the price of Russian gas rises.
“If there is an opportunity to obtain gas from a second source or to increase supply volumes from there, we will pursue that path. If there is an opportunity to obtain gas from a third or fourth source, we will pursue that path as well,” he stated.
Pashinyan also noted that diversification is part of Armenia’s policy to strengthen the country’s independence.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow supplies gas to Armenia at a price of $177.50 per thousand cubic meters. During a meeting with Pashinyan on April 1, he compared this price to gas prices in Europe, which, according to him, at that time exceeded $600 per thousand cubic meters.
Putin also highlighted the growth of Armenia’s exports to countries in the Eurasian Economic Union and noted that the final decision on the direction of economic cooperation rests with the Armenian authorities.
The Panorama agency reports this.
Prior to this, Pashinyan had publicly clashed with Putin over Armenia’s future in the EAEU.
In Armenia’s new government program for 2026–2031, Russia is no longer referred to as a strategic ally.
