If desired, Gazprom Armenia can reduce the gas tariff for ordinary citizens by $6-$8 per 1,000 cu m. Mikael Melkumyan, Armenian parliamentarian, member of Prosperous Armenia Party faction in the parliament, told reporters on May 15.
He said the price of the Russian gas supplied to Armenia will be reduced on the border from the current $190 to $165 per 1,000 cu m. However, the company refuses to reduce the tariff for the Armenian consumers saying it will use the additional funds to recompense the differences of the dollar-ruble and dollar-dram exchange rate and to maintain the gas supply system.
"The population consumes only 1/3 of the total gas imported for Russia - this part is purchased for the national dram - the remaining 2/3 of the gas is purchased for US dollars. Considering that the ruble has depreciated, the company gained profits also from it. In desired, it can reduce the tariff for the population by 1/3 of $25 i.e. $8," he said. The economist believes it is not fair to demand the people the 2/3 (68%) of the total expenses on the maintenance of the system while they are consuming only 1/3 of the total gas import (some 550 million cu m out of 1.7-1.8 billion cu m).
Given Armenia's accession to the Eurasian Economic Union the Russian gas price will knock down to 165 USD per cubic meter, told Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller to "Russia 24" TV channel. Miller and president Sargsyan reached the accommodation during Miller's recent visit to Armenia. The current price is 190 USD per 1000 cubic meter. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Yervand Zakharian the tariff on Russian gas would remain the same. This is reasoned by the losses the company suffered during the currency fluctuation.