Armenian energy regulator says gas price hike wouldn’t trigger crisis

Armenia has alternatives to Russian gas if prices rise, including potential supplies from Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran, the head of the Public Services Regulatory Commission said on Thursday.

Commission Chairman Mesrop Mesropyan told reporters that no formal proposal has been made by Russia or Gazprom Armenia to increase tariffs. “If neighboring countries sell gas and the infrastructure allows Armenia to buy from them, naturally Armenia will do so,” he said.

Mesropyan acknowledged public concerns about possible dependence on Azerbaijan but stressed that the regulator itself would not initiate a price hike. He added that Armenia’s expanding renewable energy sector, particularly solar power, would help soften the impact of any increase. “The presence of solar plants in our reality will prevent us from facing the kind of severe energy crisis we had in 1992–94,” he said.

While short-term difficulties could arise, Mesropyan ruled out widespread blackouts. Current contracts for Russian gas remain valid until early 2027, meaning no immediate changes are expected in the next six months.