Armenian PM conceals planned increase for gas prices - paper

PanARMENIAN.Net - According to Zhoghovurd daily, Gazrpom Russian gas giant plans a sharp increase for Armenia-supplied gas tariffs.

“At present, the price for gas at the border with Armenia totals $180 per 1000 cubic meters. However, Gazprom plans a rise, with prices of $280 and 320 to be offered in October and January respectively.”

“Increase in gas tariffs has long been public knowledge; moreover, over the last months, Russia has already raised the price from $180 to 230. The authorities, however, preferred to conceal the fact, with ArmRosGazprom’s superprofit and minor subsidies making it possible.”

“The government program doesn’t contain any mentions of expected tariff change, in the same manner that Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan was concealing the possibility of an economic crisis, believing it won’t get to Armenia.”

“This is the mood in which PM Sargsyan has left on vacation,” the paper said.