ARMENIA TO PURCHASE GAS AT MARKET PRICE
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.10.2009 12:19 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russian gas supply at $ 180 per 1000 cubic meters
is an unprecedented price, ArmRosGazProm CJSC’s General Director
Karen Karapetyan told today journalists in Yerevan. At that he noted
that company is currently conducting negotiations, and has reached
preliminary agreement for purchasing gas at $180 per 1000 cubic
meters. "Negotiations are under way, and prices may be reviewed
depending on changes in world market, but we elaborate our strategy
based on the price established," he added.
Karapetyan finds such price the best in the region, however, believes
that "we, Armenians always demand a special attitude. That’s an
unpromising and annoying conduct, since there is necessity to make
gradual transition to economic categories." Since company’s inception
(12 years), he said, Armenia had exclusive tarriffs on gas, and over
that period, it should have been prepared for market prices.
Armenian and Russian Presidents conduct talks over lowering gas
tariffs in 2010. The issue was discussed during their regular meeting
in Moscow. Armenia and "Gazprom Export" company have reached an
agreement over long-term gas purchase from Moscow in 2009-15. Under
the agreement signed, gas prices increased gradually. Thus, in 2009
Armenia received gas at $ 110 per 1000 cubic meters. In April 1, 2009 –
March 31 2010, that price increased to $ 154, and beginning April 1,
2010, it will go up to $ 200.