Central Bank chief: Imports from Azerbaijan may impact Armenia’s fuel costs in January

The influence of gasoline imports from Azerbaijan—or routed through Azerbaijan—on Armenia’s domestic fuel prices is expected to be reflected in January’s economic results, Central Bank of Armenia Chairman Martin Galstyan said.

During a recent press conference Galstyan noted that substantial shipments of petroleum products arrived after December 20 and were largely distributed and sold throughout January, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Galstyan emphasized that, regardless of the volume of imports directly from Azerbaijan, their impact on the broader Armenian economy is relatively limited.

“Any significant effects should be viewed in a wider context—from the opening of borders to potential reductions in logistics costs,” he added, highlighting that the broader economic implications may outweigh the direct contribution of Azerbaijani imports.

Armenia received its first import of Azerbaijani petroleum products at the end of 2025. On December 19, a train carrying 1,218 tons of A‑95 gasoline arrived at the Ayrum railway station after passing through Georgia, consisting of 22 wagons loaded with Azerbaijani fuel.

In early January, Azerbaijan followed up with an additional shipment consisting of 6,100 tons of gasoline and 1,500 tons of diesel fuel.

By Vafa Guliyeva