Yerevan has forgotten that the agreement with Russia is not only about cheap gas: it will not be the same with Baku

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the price of Russian gas cannot rise, as there are agreements and strategic agreements. Experts note that Yerevan is selective about them. At the same time, in their opinion, Azerbaijan will not allow such an interpretation of the agreements if it enters the Armenian gas market.

Armenia receives the cheapest Russian gas after Belarus. If the cost of fuel in the EU exceeds $ 600 per thousand cubic meters in the second half of May, then Armenia receives fuel at $ 177.5. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Russian gas cannot rise in price due to tensions between the countries.

"We have a valid agreement and this agreement is mutually beneficial, there are appropriate conditions there," Nikol Pashinyan said at a press conference. According to the Armenian Prime Minister, there are clear strategic agreements on gas prices between the countries.

Obviously, the head of Nikol Pashinyan also meant that Gazprom's enterprise is a monopolist in the country's market.

According to Alexey Grivach, Deputy Director of the National Energy Security Fund (NWF), there really are strategic agreements with Armenia as a member of the EAEU and the CSTO.

"Only the Armenian government adheres to them quite selectively, as evidenced by the current discussion about prices," the expert believes.

After the resumption of oil products supplies to Armenia from Azerbaijan, the country started talking about diversifying and importing gas, which Armenia now receives from Russia and Iran. In Azerbaijan, they consider the country's task to take control of the Armenian gas market in general. As EADaily wrote, the Azerbaijani telegram channel "Ugur Mammadov" wrote that Azerbaijani gas should be supplied to Armenians and distributed inside the country through Azerbaijani pipes. And so that there is no direct conflict with Moscow, Nikol Pashinyan must do the menial work.

The Deputy Director of FNEB believes that for Azerbaijan to take the place of Gazprom in Armenia would be a great opportunity to fully control the economy, politics and social sphere of Armenia.

"It cannot be ruled out that they would even be willing to pay extra for such a lucky ticket," says Alexey Grivach.

He does not rule out that Baku will be ready to supply gas to Armenia at lower prices, but will ask for serious political concessions in return.

Armenia consumes small volumes — up to 2.7 billion cubic meters per year. And with the development of gas production, Azerbaijan could find "free" volumes. However, the deputy director of the FNEB believes that the supply of cheaper gas will cause a political scandal.

"Why should Azerbaijan sell gas to Armenia below the market just like that, if it can supply these volumes to Europe at a price several times higher. Only in exchange for major political services. Between Baku and Yerevan retains mutual territorial claims, the decision of which is in favor of the Azerbaijani side and will be presented as payment for preferential gas sooner or later," adds Alexey Grivach.