Armenia expects liquefied gas shortage to be resolved in coming days
Armenia's Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan expects the liquefied gas shortage in the country to be resolved in the coming days, as the issues that led to it will be addressed.
"The current liquefied gas shortage in Armenia is primarily due to events in Iran, and the second reason is the congestion at the Upper Lars checkpoint (on the Russian-Georgian border). Upper Lars is already open; a few vehicles (with liquefied gas) arrived the day before yesterday, and even more arrived yesterday. Today, dozens of vehicles are expected, as well as tomorrow. I believe that, if not by Friday, then by Saturday, enough gas will arrive in Armenia to significantly lower prices," said Armenia's Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan to journalists during a briefing broadcast by local channels.
Regarding the possibility of supplying liquefied gas to the republic through Azerbaijan by rail, he noted that the South Caucasus Railway company (SCR, a subsidiary of Russian Railways) is making significant investments to make this possible. "SCR was supposed to, and is making, huge investments so that liquefied gas can be supplied to Armenia by rail. Reaching an agreement (with Azerbaijan - ed. TASS) that liquefied gas can be supplied by rail is one thing, and after that, SCR is making huge investments to enable the supply of liquefied gas - that is another thing," he said.
Since the beginning of the week, Armenia has been experiencing a shortage of liquefied gas, with gas unavailable at most filling stations in various settlements. This has also led to an increase in gasoline prices, particularly in Yerevan, where the price of Premium (AI-95) has risen by approximately 50 drams, reaching 550 drams (about $1.48) per liter.
On February 13, 2008, a concession agreement was signed in Yerevan between Russian Railways and the Republic of Armenia for the transfer of the country's railway system to the management of SCR. According to the document, the term of the concession management is 30 years, with the right to extend for another 10 years after the first 20 years of operation, by mutual agreement of the parties.
