Armenian authorities announce mechanisms to protect against Moscow's gas pressure

Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said that mechanisms have been developed in the republic in case of an increase in prices for Russian gas, but expressed confidence that this will not happen.

"All mechanisms are there, developed, implemented, but we are confident that this scenario [price increase] will not happen.

Similar scenarios were developed many years ago, but we believe that this will not happen <...>. Around the world, gasoline prices have increased 2-3 times, while in Armenia they have risen by only a few percent - why? Because we can import cheap gasoline and diesel from other markets. We should be able to do the same with wheat and other products so as not to depend on anyone and to have the ability to maneuver," he said at a briefing after a government meeting.

At the same time, the minister noted that at present large volumes of products are being exported from Armenia to Russia and goods are being imported from it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on April 1, pointed to a large difference between the price of Russian gas for Armenia and gas prices in Europe.

According to the Russian leader, gas prices in Europe are now exceeding $600 per 1,000 cubic meters, while Russia sells gas to Armenia for $177.5 per 1,000 cubic meters.

On April 4, Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan stated that the country will withdraw from the CSTO, the EAEU and other structures if gas prices are raised.