Russian gas supply at $ 180 per 1000 cubic meters is an unprecedented price, ArmRosGazProm CJSC’s General Director Karen Karapetyan told today journalists in Yerevan. At that he noted that company is currently conducting negotiations, and has reached preliminary agreement for purchasing gas at $180 per 1000 cubic meters. “Negotiations are under way, and prices may be reviewed depending on changes in world market, but we elaborate our strategy based on the price established,” he added.
Karapetyan finds such price the best in the region, however, believes that “we, Armenians always demand a special attitude. That’s an unpromising and annoying conduct, since there is necessity to make gradual transition to economic categories.” Since company’s inception (12 years), he said, Armenia had exclusive tarriffs on gas, and over that period, it should have been prepared for market prices.
Armenian and Russian Presidents conduct talks over lowering gas tariffs in 2010. The issue was discussed during their regular meeting in Moscow. Armenia and “Gazprom Export” company have reached an agreement over long-term gas purchase from Moscow in 2009-15. Under the agreement signed, gas prices increased gradually. Thus, in 2009 Armenia received gas at $ 110 per 1000 cubic meters. In April 1, 2009 – March 31 2010, that price increased to $ 154, and beginning April 1, 2010, it will go up to $ 200.
