Negotiations on gas prices underway
U.S. Embassy to Armenia keeps the possible hike in natural gas prices to Armenia in the limelight, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern said on May 22 during a conference "The Future of Energy in Armenia: A Conference on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Armenia". The ambassador says he shares the concerns of the Armenian people.
"This is an issue of public importance and we recommend ensuring utmost transparency of the carried out works. In this context, it is important to ensure the diversity of energy to avoid fluctuations in electricity prices in case of fluctuations in tariffs of any kind of fuel," said the U.S. Ambassador.
Armenian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan said in his turn, "We have been negotiating with the Russian side for a long time and I want to inform you that until the end of the negotiations gas will be sold to consumers at a price equivalent to $180."
Regarding the diversity of energy sources and energy saving issues, Mr Movsisyan said, "The high rates of development of renewable energy, as well as the government's policy in the sector allow us to confidently proceed with development."
U.S. Embassy to Armenia thinks that Armenian can solve its energy problems.
"Since Armenia does not have hydrocarbons, it has appeared in a difficult situation. Yet, it does not mean that Armenia lacks energy resources. The deputy minister has also referred to the work of hydroelectric power stations in Armenia. The cooperation with the European Union and US in the energy sector is directed to the use of alternative sources, such as wind, sun, water," said Mr Heffern.
