Armenia and Iran may double gas and electricity supplies – Khudatyan
29.07.2026,
16:16
Armenia and Iran have reached a verbal agreement to expand the "gas for electricity" program, which could at least double in volume, stated RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan.
YEREVAN, July 29. /ARKA/. Armenia and Iran have reached a verbal agreement to expand the "gas for electricity" program, which could at least double in volume, stated RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan.
"Both sides acknowledged that the Republic of Armenia needs more gas, and the Islamic Republic of Iran needs more electricity," Khudatyan said in an interview with Azatutyun Radio following a three-day visit to Iran.
According to him, the capacity of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline exceeds current supply volumes.
The minister noted that the existing infrastructure and the commissioning of the new (third) Armenia-Iran 400 kV power transmission line will make it possible to at least double the exchange volumes.
"We will be able to export at least twice as much electricity to the Islamic Republic of Iran and receive twice as much gas in return," Khudatyan said.
Remaining issues will be addressed by working groups that the parties intend to establish in the near future.
Khudatyan expressed hope that construction of the new transmission line will be completed by the end of 2026.
He also emphasized that plans to increase Iranian gas supplies are not related to Armenia's relations with Russia.
"This decision is not related to any other country, particularly the Russian Federation. This is about mutually beneficial economic activity, the expansion of which is of interest to both sides," the minister said.
Since May 15, 2009, Armenia has been receiving natural gas from Iran via the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. Under the "Gas for Electricity" program, Iranian gas is used to generate electricity in Armenia, after which it is exported to Iran at a rate of 3 kWh per cubic meter of natural gas. In August 2023, the parties extended the agreement until 2030, providing for the possibility of increasing the volume of gas imports and electricity exports.
"Both sides acknowledged that the Republic of Armenia needs more gas, and the Islamic Republic of Iran needs more electricity," Khudatyan said in an interview with Azatutyun Radio following a three-day visit to Iran.
According to him, the capacity of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline exceeds current supply volumes.
The minister noted that the existing infrastructure and the commissioning of the new (third) Armenia-Iran 400 kV power transmission line will make it possible to at least double the exchange volumes.
"We will be able to export at least twice as much electricity to the Islamic Republic of Iran and receive twice as much gas in return," Khudatyan said.
Remaining issues will be addressed by working groups that the parties intend to establish in the near future.
Khudatyan expressed hope that construction of the new transmission line will be completed by the end of 2026.
He also emphasized that plans to increase Iranian gas supplies are not related to Armenia's relations with Russia.
"This decision is not related to any other country, particularly the Russian Federation. This is about mutually beneficial economic activity, the expansion of which is of interest to both sides," the minister said.
Since May 15, 2009, Armenia has been receiving natural gas from Iran via the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. Under the "Gas for Electricity" program, Iranian gas is used to generate electricity in Armenia, after which it is exported to Iran at a rate of 3 kWh per cubic meter of natural gas. In August 2023, the parties extended the agreement until 2030, providing for the possibility of increasing the volume of gas imports and electricity exports.
