Azerbaijani Gasoline Supply to Armenia Will Continue: Papoyan

The Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan, confirmed in an interview with NEWS.am that the first batch of Azerbaijani gasoline is already on its way to Armenia. According to the minister, 20 wagons carrying Azerbaijani fuel are expected to arrive in Armenia in the coming days.

“Our goal has been to bring businesses into a field where they trade instead of fighting. War brings casualties and losses, while trade brings prosperity,” said Papoyan.

When asked if there is a specific agreement with Baku regarding the continuous supply of Azerbaijani fuel, the Minister of Economy answered positively: “Of course, there is an agreement, but the rest depends on future market conditions.”

Papoyan did not specify when, in what volume, and over what timeframe the subsequent supplies of Azerbaijani fuel will occur. “There are various questions concerning transportation, transfer, and so on; businesses will coordinate with one another,” he noted.

Regarding the pricing at which the Armenian private company purchased fuel from Azerbaijan, Papoyan did not clarify the matter, stating that it falls within the private domain and they do not intervene in such matters.

“It is not right for us to interfere in pricing issues. The state’s role here is to create an environment. When we import gasoline from Egypt, Rubinia, or Russia, we do the same—create the necessary legal and contractual environment, establish a political climate, reach political agreements, and the rest is handled by businesses,” underscored the Minister of Economy.

In response to a question about the price at which Azerbaijani gasoline will be sold in the Armenian market, Papoyan remarked, “It is hard to say right now; the costs for the first supply are not standard, and it seems the next ones won’t be standard either. When a somewhat stable and visible market conjuncture forms, we will be able to specify. For the first time bringing something in, some companies may sell at lower prices, while others at higher prices, but subsequent adjustments will refine the behavior of the participants. In the private sector, the price is determined based on competition. Our task is to ensure as many participants in the market as possible and various sources. This will lead to increased competition and, hence, the possibility of lower prices.”

It should be noted that today the first batch of petroleum products is being sent from Azerbaijan to Armenia.