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168 ZHAM: $204-MILLION GAS DEBT ON ARMENIAN TAXPAYERS' SHOULDERS
December 07, 2013
YEREVAN. - Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisyan had
said that Armenia's $155-million debt to Russia in terms of natural
gas supply accumulated since 2011, 168 Zham daily reports.
"It became clear that the price of gas has in fact risen [in the
country] since July 2011, but ArmRusGazprom [company ofArmenia]
continued to pay the old price. As a result, about a $300-million debt
accumulated, half of which the Russian side has taken upon itself,
whereasArmenia surrendered [its remaining] 20 percent [of the shares
in] ArmRusGazprom, in lieu of its debt.
"[But], in reality, the debt (around $49 million) which is
accumulated since April 2013 can be considered Armenia's [debt]
because the Government of Armenia stated that it will subsidize the gas
[price] hike. But nothing has been announced about the debt that was
accumulated from July 2011 to April 2013; this [debt] totals about $204
million, which has remained on the shoulders of the Armenian taxpayers.
"What is more, the creator of this confusion is the Government of
Armenia," 168 Zham writes.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am
December 07, 2013
YEREVAN. - Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisyan had
said that Armenia's $155-million debt to Russia in terms of natural
gas supply accumulated since 2011, 168 Zham daily reports.
"It became clear that the price of gas has in fact risen [in the
country] since July 2011, but ArmRusGazprom [company ofArmenia]
continued to pay the old price. As a result, about a $300-million debt
accumulated, half of which the Russian side has taken upon itself,
whereasArmenia surrendered [its remaining] 20 percent [of the shares
in] ArmRusGazprom, in lieu of its debt.
"[But], in reality, the debt (around $49 million) which is
accumulated since April 2013 can be considered Armenia's [debt]
because the Government of Armenia stated that it will subsidize the gas
[price] hike. But nothing has been announced about the debt that was
accumulated from July 2011 to April 2013; this [debt] totals about $204
million, which has remained on the shoulders of the Armenian taxpayers.
"What is more, the creator of this confusion is the Government of
Armenia," 168 Zham writes.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am