Armenia in talks with Iran on liquefied gas import quota

Armenia is currently holding negotiations with Iran to secure a quota for importing liquefied gas, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told reporters on August 21.

Papoyan said he had personally appealed to Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade, Mohammad Attabakeh, with a request to allocate a supply quota for Armenia, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian press sources.

“This is an important issue for diversifying supplies. At present, we receive gas from only one source, but if we secure this quota, we will have two supply channels, which will increase competition and have an impact on prices,” the minister emphasised.

The talks come against the backdrop of recent delays in liquefied gas deliveries that have driven up retail prices in Armenia.

While there has been no actual shortage in the domestic market — with the purchase price from Russia remaining unchanged — the retail price in Armenia has jumped from around 120 drams to 200 drams per litre, approximately $0.30 to $0.50. 

Analysts believe the main suppliers have taken advantage of the delays to unjustifiably inflate prices.

By Tamilla Hasanova