Free Democrats party says gas price hike politically motivatedMay 18, 2013 - 19:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Free Democrats party has described the hike in gas prices by ArmRosgasprom CJSC of political, rather than of economic nature. According to the party, Russian authorities always deemed gas as a tool to solution to problems related to external entities, with the tool repeatedly aimed against Armenia. “We are confident that Russia aims to exert pressure on Armenia in terms of the Association Agreement with the EU. The price rise will negatively affect the situation in Armenia, causing large emigration flows,” the party’s statement reads. Free Democrats urges Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission to reject ArmRosgasprom’s statement, calling on RA authorities to take steps aimed at the creation of alternative energy sources. Earlier, ArmRosgasprom CJSC addressed Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission with an offer to reconsider natural gas prices, as well as the prices for the services of gas supply operator (ArmRosgasprom CJSC), gas distribution (ArmRosgasprom CJSC) and gas transportation (Transgas CJSC and ArmRosgasprom). According to the company’s press service, the current price for consumers of up to 10 thous. cubic meters a month is set at AMD 132 thous. for every 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas (VAT), with the offered price to total AMD 221 (VAT included). The current price for the services of the gas supply system operator grosses AMD 20.618 (VAT included), with the offered price for each thous. cubic meters of natural gas to total 33.695 (VAT included). The current price for the natural gas distribution is set at AMD 13709.698 (VAT included), with the offered price to total 26638.071 (VAT included). The current price for the transportation of one thous. cubic meters of natural gas is set at AMD 6948266 (VAT included), with the offered price to gross AMD 12989.186 (VAT included). Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |