Armenia Will Not Collapse if Gas Prices Rise, Ruling Party MP Says

YEREVAN– Civil Contract parliamentary faction member Taguhi Ghazaryan has addressed the possibility of an increase in natural gas prices, saying Armenia would be able to cope with higher costs and should not make concessions on key national issues because of energy prices.

“I would suggest not portraying an increase in gas prices as the end of the world,” Ghazaryan told reporters.

She said Armenia could purchase more expensive gas if necessary and that the government was prepared to address the consequences of such a scenario.

“Armenian citizens will have both gas and the money to pay for gas if necessary, and I do not believe Armenia should make concessions on issues that are red lines because of the price of gas,” Ghazaryan said.

She noted that Armenia is located in a region rich in natural gas resources and argued that the country’s challenges in accessing alternative supplies are largely technical.

“We will find the best solution for our citizens, and an increase in gas prices should not be presented as the end of the world. It will not be the end of the world, and Armenia will not collapse if the price of gas rises,” Ghazaryan said.