Pashinyan announced plans to diversify gas supplies amid possible price increases
11.09.2026,
14:38
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced plans to diversify gas supplies.
YEREVAN, September 11. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced plans to diversify gas supplies. He made this statement at a briefing on Friday, responding to a question about whether Armenia is considering an alternative to Russian gas supplies in the context of Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that Armenia could lose a number of privileges, including preferential gas prices, if it leaves the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Moscow has repeatedly warned of the possible economic consequences of Armenia's transition to EU standards. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that, in such a case, Russia would have to curtail its integrated economic cooperation with Armenia. He estimated that the country could lose up to 14% of its GDP if energy prices rise after leaving the EAEU.
"Gas is not cheap in Armenia." From the border to the consumer, Armenia is experiencing the largest price increase compared to other countries. [...] Gazprom Armenia "is making large profits, and this is also a fact we must acknowledge," Pashinyan noted.
The Prime Minister emphasized that there is no area in which the republic's authorities will not pursue diversification.
"Specific situations may require specific responses. If situations arise related to price increases, we will also look at where we can raise the price or what is currently free, and then the price can be set proportionally," he said, adding that all issues can and should be discussed in a calm working environment.
Returning to the topic of diversification, Pashinyan stated that if it is possible to supply gas from several countries, the republic will take this path.
"If the TRIPP project allows for a gas pipeline to be built through Armenia and transit payments to be received, we can take this path as well," he said, emphasizing that the authorities have an understanding of their actions under all scenarios.
On Gas Supplies
At the end of May 2026, Russian authorities warned of a possible change in the terms of energy supplies to Armenia, given Yerevan's commitment to European integration. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president, stated that the preferential price for Russian gas for Armenia could become market prices if the republic leaves the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Furthermore, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev sent a letter to the Armenian side in which Moscow warned of the possibility of suspending or denouncement of the December 2, 2013, agreement on the supply of gas, petroleum products, and rough diamonds if Armenia continues its EU accession process. Tsivilev later explained that if Armenia transitions from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to the EU, Russia will not be able to supply it with gas at the current price.
At the end of August of this year, Armenian Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan stated that the government had calculated the possible consequences of an increase in the price of Russian gas and intended to incorporate these calculations into its risk assessment system. Gazprom-Armenia CJSC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Russian holding company Gazprom and the monopoly supplier of natural gas from Russia to Armenia for domestic consumption.
Currently, the price of Russian gas for Armenia at the border is $165 per 1,000 cubic meters. This price has been in effect since January 1, 2019, and, according to current Armenian-Russian agreements, is not expected to change until the end of 2031.
Moscow has repeatedly warned of the possible economic consequences of Armenia's transition to EU standards. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that, in such a case, Russia would have to curtail its integrated economic cooperation with Armenia. He estimated that the country could lose up to 14% of its GDP if energy prices rise after leaving the EAEU.
"Gas is not cheap in Armenia." From the border to the consumer, Armenia is experiencing the largest price increase compared to other countries. [...] Gazprom Armenia "is making large profits, and this is also a fact we must acknowledge," Pashinyan noted.
The Prime Minister emphasized that there is no area in which the republic's authorities will not pursue diversification.
"Specific situations may require specific responses. If situations arise related to price increases, we will also look at where we can raise the price or what is currently free, and then the price can be set proportionally," he said, adding that all issues can and should be discussed in a calm working environment.
Returning to the topic of diversification, Pashinyan stated that if it is possible to supply gas from several countries, the republic will take this path.
"If the TRIPP project allows for a gas pipeline to be built through Armenia and transit payments to be received, we can take this path as well," he said, emphasizing that the authorities have an understanding of their actions under all scenarios.
On Gas Supplies
At the end of May 2026, Russian authorities warned of a possible change in the terms of energy supplies to Armenia, given Yerevan's commitment to European integration. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president, stated that the preferential price for Russian gas for Armenia could become market prices if the republic leaves the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Furthermore, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev sent a letter to the Armenian side in which Moscow warned of the possibility of suspending or denouncement of the December 2, 2013, agreement on the supply of gas, petroleum products, and rough diamonds if Armenia continues its EU accession process. Tsivilev later explained that if Armenia transitions from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to the EU, Russia will not be able to supply it with gas at the current price.
At the end of August of this year, Armenian Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan stated that the government had calculated the possible consequences of an increase in the price of Russian gas and intended to incorporate these calculations into its risk assessment system. Gazprom-Armenia CJSC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Russian holding company Gazprom and the monopoly supplier of natural gas from Russia to Armenia for domestic consumption.
Currently, the price of Russian gas for Armenia at the border is $165 per 1,000 cubic meters. This price has been in effect since January 1, 2019, and, according to current Armenian-Russian agreements, is not expected to change until the end of 2031.
