2024-07-04 09:33:08
For at least the last 5 years, Armenia offered to pay for Russian gas in rubles, and today we are switching to that option. it’s a pity that in such a difficult situation, UN national energy expert Ara Marjanyan said in a conversation with Aysor.am reporter.
“If we had initiated paying for Russian gas in rubles 5 years ago, now everything would have gone smoothly and calmly. But, as they say, better late than never.
And the most important circumstance for Armenia. Russia is Armenia’s strategic partner, especially in the field of energy. Armenia receives gas from Russia as a result of a long-term contract and at significantly lower prices than market prices or other gas prices in the region. So, I think this cooperation should be continued and deepened,” said our interlocutor.
According to Ara Marjanyan, paying in rubles for Russian gas implies a softer situation, there will be no wildfires in the foreign exchange zone.
“Previously, you probably remember, during gas price negotiations, our currency behaved quite strangely. I think that now at least that factor will no longer be there. But, I repeat, it would have been much better if we had switched to paying in rubles years ago,” said the energy expert.
Ara Marjanyan also mentioned that payment in rubles for Russian gas will not have either a positive or a negative effect on ordinary consumers.
To remind, RA Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan told RBC that Armenia pays for Russian gas in rubles.
He also noted that pricing is done in dollars, but payment is made in rubles.