Ruling Party MP Does Not Rule Out the Possibility of Importing Gas from Azerbaijan

Babken Tunyan, a deputy from the "Civil Contract" faction and chair of the Economic Affairs Permanent Committee, does not rule out discussions on importing gas from Azerbaijan. He believes that the possibility of buying gas from a third supplier increases the level of energy independence and security.

This statement came during a conversation with reporters in the National Assembly, responding to earlier remarks by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made during the Second Global Armenian Summit, where he did not exclude the possibility of importing gas from Azerbaijan in the future.

When asked whether importing gas from Azerbaijan would lead to dependence on Baku, Tunyan noted that such dependence occurs only when energy resources are purchased exclusively from a single source. In contrast, purchasing from various alternative sources reduces that dependency. "If we were previously buying gas only from Russia and later started purchasing from Iran as well, having the option to buy gas from a third supplier increases our energy independence and security level," Tunyan stated.

He added that whether gas will be purchased from Azerbaijan is more of a future and theoretical question. However, if there arises a situation where they can establish trade relations and if there is a resource needed, they should look at who can provide that resource more cheaply, with better quality, and quicker delivery. "If that resource is supplied by Azerbaijan, then it is possible to discuss it if it serves the interests of Armenia while always maintaining diversification and alternative sources," Tunyan emphasized.

He further mentioned that experts who claim that larger volumes of gas could be imported from Iran can present their proposals and possibilities regarding this matter, while he will show them the existing limitations in this regard.