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Armenia Could Reportedly Lose Access to Cheap Gas if it Leaves Russian-led Economic Union

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Armenia could lose its preferential price for imported Russian gas if it decides to leave the Eurasian Economic Union, according to multiple media outlets, citing Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

In a briefing, Peskov reportedly said that an attractive gas pricing offered by Russia to its partners is "impossible" for participants in other integrations, particularly the EU, where prices are market-based.

Armenia receives natural gas from Russia at a cost of $177.50 per thousand cubic meters, while the same volume costs up to $633 in Europe, according to Reuters and national news agency Armenpress.

has reached out to Armenia's energy ministry to seek feedback and additional information on the country's gas import plans.

Peskov's remarks came ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Yerevan, to attend a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. The US Department of State website did not provide further details.

While being a member of a Russian-led economic union and, at the same time, heavily dependent on Russia for energy supplies, Armenia has sought deeper ties with the EU and adopted a law to launch its accession process to the bloc in April 2025.

Armenia and the EU have also held their first summit earlier this month, to strengthen economic ties and deepen cooperation on security and defense, according to a statement by the European Commission.

Peskov reportedly noted that Armenia remains a full member of the EAEU, while also developing relations with other countries, mainly Europe. He cited Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during his last visit to Moscow.

Armenia relies on Russia for most of its energy needs, with Russian gas accounting for about 80% of its total energy imports and 60% of total primary energy supply, according to a statement by World Bank.

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