Armenia explores alternative natural gas supply options amid potential price shifts from Russia

YEREVAN, August 11. /ARKA/. Armenia is actively looking into ways to diversify its natural gas supplies should Russia rise its price, stated Sargis Khandanyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract faction, during a briefing on Tuesday.

Khandanyan highlighted the possibility of utilizing a future gas pipeline linked to the Armenian-American TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) initiative, as well as the potential for gas imports from Azerbaijan.

He clarified that he has not received any information suggesting a change in the current price for Russian gas supplied to Armenia.

"However, if such a situation arises, we will engage in constructive discussions with our Russian partners," he remarked.

He underscored the significance of diversifying supply sources in this sector.

"TRIPP is also associated with the gas pipeline, indicating that a pipeline will traverse Armenia as part of TRIPP. This presents us with another opportunity to explore additional sources and leverage the capabilities of this gas pipeline," the MP explained.

Khandanyan further noted that while this remains a theoretical option, its practical implementation would not pose significant challenges. He also acknowledged the possibility of importing gas from Azerbaijan to Armenia.

Gazprom-Armenia operates as a fully owned subsidiary of the Russian Gazprom and serves as the exclusive supplier of natural gas from Russia to Armenia for domestic use.

At present, the price of Russian gas at the Armenian border stands at $165 per 1,000 cubic meters (the gas is sold to Armenian consumers by Gazprom-Armenia at about $400). This rate has been in place since January 1, 2019, and, according to existing Armenian-Russian agreements, is not anticipated to change until the conclusion of 2031.-0-