“Negotiations on Decreasing Russian Price for Gas Supplied to Yerevan are in Process”
USD 165 for 1000 m3 gas supplied to Armenia from Russia will be maintained until 1 April 2016 and negotiations are held on complementary reduction of price. It was mentioned today by Levon Yolyan, RA Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, in a meeting with reporters. As already reported, Armenian-Canadian business forum devoted to revealing further possibilities of cooperation of the two countries has been launched today by RA Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in partnership with Canadian Embassy to Armenia.
To the question whether it was possible that it wasn’t signed, and from April 1 we should pay USD 189 for gas, L.Yolyan replied, he didn’t think so. He stated that in near future final resolutions and agreements will be informed.
Speaking of the statement made by Shavarsh Kocharyan, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, that during the meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Russia discussion on gas tariff was anticipated as well, to maintain current USD 165 price for gas, and the draft bill was already ready, which was agreed, and he supposed it would be signed, L.Yolyan said he’s not aware of that statement and didn’t want to comment on it, “There was no any issue in signing any accord during this meeting, possible variants of maximal reduction of gas price were under discussion.”
To the question whether he noticed during his visit with RA president to Russia, that any hindrances emerged during negotiations, Levon Yolyan replied, “There was initial discussion on possible variants of maximal reduction of gas price, which currently are in discussion process with Gazprom, Russian Government.” He stated that he noticed quite a positive attitude from Russia to discuss the issue in sound negotiation field. Touching upon talks on purchasing gas by Russian ruble, the Minister mentioned that negotiations are being held on purchase by USD.
By Ani Keshishyan
