YEREVAN. – The likelihood of increase in gas prices is not too small, economist, ex-deputy Vardan Bostanjyan told Armenian News- NEWS.am.

“The term of the gas supply agreement between Russia and Armenia has expired, and Russia can sell gas at the same price as to Europe, that is gas will be more expensive. And it is possible that as a result of the negotiations, Armenia will be offered the same price as on the international market, and this will be tough for Armenians. In any case, everything will turn out as a result of negotiations, but the likelihood of price increase is not that small,” he said.

According to the economist, the tariff for gas and electricity could be reduced, and he addressed acting PM Nikol Pashinyan, however, in fact, this question remained unanswered.

“And now we are confronted with such a problem, when the gas price can rise, and this will be a burden for us,” he said.

According to Bostanjyan, gas imports from other countries, in particular Iran, is a very complex issue for Armenia, which is in the focus of countries pursuing conflicting interests. The interests of small countries such as Armenia are pushed to the background, he added.

“The only option is to maintain a flexible and efficient foreign policy, and in this case we will be able to survive,” the economist said.