Armenia faces acute liquefied gas shortage amid soaring prices

Armenia is grappling with a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as prices at fueling stations have surged to unprecedented levels of 300 drams per liter. The crisis has triggered kilometer-long queues at stations still offering LPG, with some selling at slightly lower rates of 280 drams.

In previous years, LPG prices during this season hovered between 120–150 drams per liter, underscoring the dramatic escalation. The shortage has been exacerbated by disruptions at the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Georgian-Russian border, a critical transit route for Armenia’s energy imports. Heavy snowfall forced authorities to close the crossing to freight traffic on April 23, reopening it only gradually in the following days. Although the route is now fully operational, supply has not normalized, and prices remain elevated.

Major distributors, including Gulf and CPS, confirmed to Panorama.am they are unable to sell LPG due to depleted reserves. The Interior Ministry Rescue Service reported that Upper Lars is open to all vehicles, including heavy trucks, suggesting that logistical barriers have eased. Yet the market has not responded with price relief, fueling speculation among consumers.

On social media, frustrated motorists have debated switching back to gasoline, while others have floated theories of political pressure from Russia aimed at influencing Armenian voters. The Ministry of Economy has not issued an official explanation. Repeated calls to its press office went unanswered.