Armenia cannot secure the same advantageous terms for purchasing Russian gas that Moscow currently offers, according to Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth CIS Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, who announced this on October 6.
“It is obvious that Yerevan will not find anywhere as favorable conditions as Russia offers today,” Kalugin stated in an interview.
The diplomat warned that transitioning to market prices would impose a significant additional financial burden on Armenia’s budget. He also noted that while the European Union might provide financial assistance, such support could take the form of loans and increase Armenia’s national debt.
On September 11, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged that gas pricing in the republic remains high and that Yerevan is actively pursuing efforts to diversify its fuel supplies.
