ARF DASHNAKTSUTYUN SETS UP A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE CONSEQUENCES OF RISE OF THE GAS TARIFF IN ARMENIA

ArmInfo
2010-03-17 10:15:00

ArmInfo. ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party has set up a group to study
consequences of the expected rise of the gas tariff in Armenia.

Artsvik Minasyan, parliamentarian from ARFD Party faction, Vice
Chairman of the National Assembly Commission for Finance and Budget,
told the parliament on Wednesday that the working group is studying
variety of issues and expects the government to give answers to its
questions. The first issue is tariffs. "If 1000 cu m of gas supplied
to Armenia will cost $180 on the border starting April 1, why the
tariff for industrial enterprises is envisaged to rise to $243 and
for privates to $340. For comparison, Moldova is purchasing gas for
$260 and sells it for $320. We would like to know the grounds for
such price difference in Armenia," A. Minasyan says. "Another issue
is sale of gas at gas compressor stations. In foreign countries these
stations sell gas per kg, whereas in Armenia the tariff depends on
the pressure of gas. Naturally, the volume of gas will change with
air temperature," he said. He highlighted that subscribers in Armenia
have no opportunity to choose their service company, which creates
another price burden for consumers. A. Minasyan outlined that sealing
of gas meters has not been completed in the country, which testifies
to shady supply of gas," A. Minasyan said.