Yerevan/Mediamax/. New tariffs for natural gas will be functioning in Armenia since April 1, 2010.

Mediamax reports that such a decision was made at the session of the Public Service Regulatory Committee (PSRC) of Armenia today, while considering the application of “ArmRosGazprom” Company on increasing tariffs for natural gas.

Head of the Committee’s Tariff Department Armen Arshakyan informed that the company suggested the Committee establishing the following tariffs for natural gas: for gas consumers at the volume of up to 10 thousand cubic meters – 136 AMD per 1 cubic meter, instead of previous 96 AMD, and for gas consumers at the volume of over 10 thousand cubic meters a month - $256 instead of the current $215. 

PSRC representative informed that as a justification for increase of prices for gas, “ArmRosGazprom” brings the 17% increase of the price for natural gas imported to Armenia (from $154 for 1 thousand cubic meters to $180 excluding VAT), the abrupt increase of AMD/USD correlation, approximately 20% reduction in consumption of natural gas, as well as the necessity to compensate for the investments, realized by the company. 

Armen Arshakyan stated that in the process of studying the grounds, presented by the company, the Committee came to the conclusion that the figures, presented by the company, are somewhat exaggerated.

PSRC unanimously approved the following tariffs for natural gas: for gas consumers at the volume of up to 10 thousand cubic meters per month – 132 AMD per 1 cubic meter (including VAT), and for gas consumers at the volume of over 10 thousand cubic meters a month - $243 (including VAT).