Yerevan Haykakan Jamanak newspaper states, citing proved sources, Russia and Armenia signed an agreement on transfer to Russian side of 5th power-generating unit of Hrazdan thermoelectric power plant and Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. According to the newspaper, the power unit of Hrazdan TPS will be transferred for $250 million; it enables to buy Russian gas for decreased price during next 2.5 years. The newspaper publishes no data concerning mechanisms and price of transfer to Russia Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. At the same time, according to it, Russian side may become owner of the pipeline. “Iran might block the deal, but Iranian side will not do it, if Moscow does not hamper in its nuclear program,” supposes the Armenian newspaper. It writes, on the eve, a big feast took place at the Armenian Energy Ministry, at which Gazprom top-level representatives were present.
Meanwhile, a REGNUM correspondent tried to receive comments of Armenian Energy Minister’s Secretary, but in vain. It was stated at the ministry, they might comment on the situation in the afternoon, i.e. the energy institution needed, at the moment, 3h to decide the complicated question, on which, talks have been conducted more then one year.
It should be reminded; Russia has been supplying gas to Armenia for $65 per 1000 m³ till present. But tomorrow, on April 1, delay, granted to Armenian side by Gazprom, will finish, and form the day gas price for Armenia will total, according to preliminary agreement, $110 per 1000 m³. Earlier, top-level Armenian officials assured, new gas price, raised by Russia, will not influence social level of country’s citizens. However, for period, when parties continued talks on future gas price, and possible compensation mechanisms, ArmRosGazprom Company – exclusive gas supplier to Armenia – requested Armenian Commission on Regulation Public Services to raise gas tariffs for domestic consumer. From April 10, the tariff will total 90 drams ($0.20) per 1 m³ for population, consuming up to 10,000 m³ per month; for enterprises (mainly of energy sphere), consuming over 10,000 m³, the tariff for 1000 m³ will total $146.51. The tariffs for population will increase by 52.5%, for enterprises – by 85.2%.
Hrazdan TPS addressed to the regulating body too, suggesting recalculation of tariff for produced energy, in connection with gas price increase. The TPS requested to fix price of 21.36 drams ($0.47) for 1 kwh, instead of former 11.37 drams, in connection with gas tariffs’ increase. The new Hrazdan TPS’s tariff increases by 90%, comparing with current one. In its turn, Armenian Electric Systems JSC, which is rented by RAO UES daughter enterprise for 99 years, stated, if the Commission decides to raise tariffs for produced energy, it will be possible, the AES JSC will request it to change tariffs for domestic consumers.
In such situation, Armenian citizens have only to wait and hope. If information on transfer of the 5th power unit of Hrazdan TPS to Russian side corresponds with reality, the question arises: who is going to receive compensation for Russian gas prices – Armenian government or citizens?
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