Has Russia Restricted Gasoline Exports? - 'Hayrapet'

At the end of February, Kremlin sources reported that starting March 1, Russia would stop its gasoline exports to other countries. The reason for this decision is a decline in gasoline production volumes, linked to the Ukrainian military's bombing of certain oil refining plants. Exceptions will be made for supplies to EAEU member states as well as Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.

Does this mean that Armenia could soon face a deficit and that fuel prices could rise? This is what the newspaper 'Hayrapet' writes about.

Currently, gasoline importers have not noticed any changes. 'Ran Oil' has informed the newspaper that there is no official information regarding a rise in gasoline prices, and if there is, they will make an announcement.

The director of 'Standard Petrol', Lala Gabrielian, also stated that there have been no changes—neither in volume nor price. Barsegh Beglaryan, the owner of 'Flash', said that although he is not currently dealing with such issues, he has been informed that the ban does not apply to Armenia.

“According to my information, this does not concern Armenia for now, because our country is a member of the EAEU. There is no such issue on the table yet. But I repeat, this is my information,” stated Barsegh Beglaryan.

It remains to be seen what consequences Armenia's pro-Western steps and NATO Secretary General's visit—along with the anti-Russian statements made in Yerevan—will have for the country.

During the May holidays, the EAEU will mark its 10th anniversary, and Russia is preparing for the event with great pomp. According to reports, Nikol Pashinyan is planning to visit Moscow and participate in this event, as abandoning the Russian market and ceasing EAEU membership could have severe negative impacts on Armenia's economy. However, it remains unclear whether it will be possible to sit on two chairs and juggle between two opposing camps.