Even if natural gas prices increase, Armenia will not face an energy crisis similar to the severe shortages experienced in the 1990s, according to Mesrop Mesropyan, chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC).

Commenting on the possible impact of a gas price increase on electricity tariffs, Mesropyan noted that 30–35 percent of Armenia’s electricity is generated by thermal power plants.

“In Armenia, 30–35 percent of electricity is produced by thermal power stations. Therefore, if the price of gas rises by a certain amount, the effect on the cost of electricity generation for that share will naturally be negative. Yes, if gas becomes more expensive, there will be certain difficulties during the transition period. However, we will not see a return to the years of rolling blackouts,” he said, according to Aysor.am .

He stressed that the rapid development of renewable energy in recent years has significantly changed the country’s energy landscape.

“Nevertheless, nothing catastrophic will happen because solar technologies and renewable energy have developed at a very rapid pace in our country over recent years,” he said.

Mesropyan also stated that if circumstances change and problems arise with Russian gas supplies, Armenia would explore alternative markets and additional sources of gas.

He added that no official proposal regarding a gas tariff increase has been received so far, according to Panorama.am .

“Theoretically, it is possible that while I am giving this briefing, such a proposal could officially arrive from Russia or Gazprom Armenia. But at this moment, no such proposal exists,” he said.

At the same time, Mesropyan noted that alternative options exist in the region. According to him, these include Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran, as well as other gas-exporting countries from which Armenia could potentially purchase gas if the necessary infrastructure is available.

Asked whether he was concerned about possible dependence on Azerbaijan, the PSRC chairman replied that, as a citizen of Armenia, he has many concerns. He also emphasized that the commission will not independently initiate a proposal to increase gas tariffs.

Mesropyan further noted that even if the price of Russian gas supplied to Armenia rises, the current contract and tariffs remain in force until the beginning of 2027, meaning no transitional changes are expected during the next six months.

In recent days, various Russian officials have stated that if Armenia continues moving closer to the European Union, it could lose access to Russian gas under preferential terms.