Gas prices to be subsidized through grants?
There is nothing new in relation to the expected increase in gas prices in Armenia, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources said on June 5 during a meeting with journalists at the National Assembly.
"As soon as I have news, I shall tell you. So far, everything is the same," said Armen Movsisyan.
Earlier this year, ArmRusGasProm turned to the Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia with a suggestion to raise the current tariff for natural gas 132,000 drams per 10,000 cubic meters, to make it 221,000 drams, which would mean a 64 percent price hike. The Armenian government promised to offer a 30% government subsidy for increased gas tariffs.
When asked where the money would come from, Armen Movsisyan said, "The Armenian government is discussing with Russian officials ways of subsidy on the basis of grant funds."
The minister again denied the allegations that the gas tariffs had gone up starting April 1.
"I have already said that negotiations are underway. The Russian side has agreed that we will continue to pay $ 180 per 1,000 cubic meters before the end of the negotiations," he said.
Asked whether the information was kept deliberately to ensure the authorities' re-election in the presidential and municipal elections, Armen Movsisyan said gas prices should not be linked to elections.
