Armenia will soon restart importing liquefied gas from Iran, which could contribute to a decrease in prices, according to Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan.
Speaking to reporters during a Civil Contract party campaign event in the town of Aparan, Papoyan said the volume of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) entering Armenia at the beginning of May was low, which caused problems on the market.
“Our minimum plan was to ensure the availability of liquefied gas in Armenia, and today that has already been secured. Liquefied gas is available everywhere in Armenia,” he said.
The minister noted that the price of gas, which had previously exceeded 300 drams per cubic meter, has already declined.
“I just checked, and in Aparan the price is now 240 drams. Is that the price it should be? I think not,” Papoyan said.
According to him, the process of price reduction is progressing slowly, but the entry of Iranian liquefied gas into the market could have an impact on prices.
“The attaché of the Ministry of Economy in Iran informed me yesterday that the issue related to the export of liquefied gas from Iran has been resolved. This means that Iranian liquefied gas will also begin entering Armenia in the coming days,” the minister said.
Papoyan also said that liquefied gas supplies from Russia are currently being carried out without disruptions, although price increases in Russia have also affected the Armenian market.
“There has been a certain increase in prices in the Russian Federation, which has had its impact here as well,” he said.
However, Papoyan warned that prices are unlikely to return to previous levels in the short term.
“At this stage, I consider a short-term return to the old prices somewhat less realistic,” he stressed.
According to him, the government continues to work to increase liquefied gas imports to Armenia from both Iran and Russia, which is expected to contribute to a further decline in prices.
The price of liquefied gas in Armenia was around 170–180 drams per cubic meter more than a month ago.
However, from mid-April, prices began to rise, reaching 280–300 drams per cubic meter. Armenia imports liquefied gas from Russia and Iran. Iran had suspended liquefied gas exports amid the U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Problems also emerged with imports from Russia at the Upper Lars checkpoint, resulting in a liquefied gas shortage on the Armenian market.
