Russia may cut Armenia’s gas price by 15-20%: Energy Security chiefFebruary 25, 2016 - 16:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia may cut the price of natural gas for Armenia by 15-20%, Konstantin Simonov, the head of the National Energy Security Fund of Russia said at a round table discussion on the Caucasus Eurasian integration process, ARKA reports. "This is my personal forecast, though I believe the current gas price for Armenia is already law. Nevertheless, due to a drop in world gas prices, the difference between the tariffs at which Russia is providing gas to Armenia and other countries has decreased," he said. Armenian Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Areg Galstyan, in turn, noted that Armenia is interested in the early completion of negotiations on the reduction of Russian gas prices. "The reduction of tariffs would serve as a powerful stimulus for the Armenian economy, including heavy industry, which is important in terms of GDP growth," said Galstyan. In mid-January, Armenia’s authorities asked their Russian counterparts to lower the price for the natural gas imported to Armenia. Talks on the issue are still underway. Russia’s Gazprom that supplies about 80% of Armenia’s gas, lowered the tariff from $190 to $165 per thousand cubic meters less than a year ago. The move, however, did not translate into corresponding retail price reductions for Armenian households and corporate consumers. In 2015, Armenia imported 1.9 billion cubic meters of Russian gas, down by 6.8% against 2014. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |