Natural gas is not cheap in Armenia, and the increase in price from the border to the consumer is the largest on this route, compared to other countries, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press briefing Friday.

What consolation is there for the consumer if natural gas is cheap up to the yard, but he receives it at an expensive price, Pashinyan asked. He added that Gazprom Armenia company is making a big profit, and this is a fact that should be recorded.

“There is no sector where we [i.e. Armenia]  will not diversify. The political decision is that we will develop our independence and statehood. The rest are current issues, and specific situations may have specific solutions. If there is a situation of [Russian natural gas] price increase [in Armenia], we will also think about what to increase in price, or what to make free. We are looking at the situation calmly and regardless of everything, we will diversify," Pashinyan said.

According to him, if there is an opportunity to receive natural gas from a second or third source, the Armenian authorities will go for it. If there is an opportunity to build a natural gas pipeline through the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, it will be done, and Armenia will even receive transit payments. There is an idea of what to do in any scenario, Pashinyan assured.