Armenia Ready to Diversify Natural Gas Imports

YEREVAN — Armenia will pursue a policy of diversification in all sectors, regardless of possible fluctuations in natural gas prices, in order to strengthen its statehood and independence, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a government briefing.

“In general, there is no sector in which we are not going to pursue diversification. Our political decision is to develop our independence and statehood. Overall, we understand what needs to be done in every area,” Pashinyan said.

He emphasized that if Armenia has an opportunity to import gas from a second, third or fourth source, or if a gas pipeline passes through Armenia and provides the country with transit revenues, the government will pursue such options.

Addressing current gas pricing, Pashinyan said natural gas is not inexpensive in Armenia and that the price increases significantly between the border and the final consumer compared with other countries.

“Gas is not cheap in Armenia. From the border to the consumer, Armenia has one of the largest price markups compared with other countries. Gazprom Armenia is a profitable company and earns substantial profits. That is a fact we need to acknowledge,” the prime minister said.

Speaking about the gas supply chain and possible future price changes, Pashinyan said that if increases become necessary, the government would examine services or arrangements that have previously been provided free of charge or on preferential terms and consider introducing proportional charges.

“If gas were free until it reached the courtyard or entrance of a building but the consumer still received it at a high price, that would be no consolation. If there are price increases, we will look at what has until now been provided free of charge and whether proportional pricing should be introduced. We view this as a normal issue that can be discussed calmly in a working environment,” he said.

Discussion over a possible revision of gas prices intensified after Pashinyan’s April 1, 2026 meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking at the time about Armenia’s developing relations with the European Union and the incompatibility of the EU and Eurasian Economic Union economic systems, Putin also pointed to the difference in gas prices.

“You know that energy prices, for example the price of gas in Europe, exceed $600 per 1,000 cubic meters, while Russia sells gas to Armenia for $177.50 per 1,000 cubic meters. The difference is large and significant,” Putin said at the time.