Armenia To Increase Gas Imports From Iran

Tehran, Oct 18 IRNA – Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan is to visit Iran in a near future to hold discussion on increase of gas imports from Iran. The Armenian daily Chorrord Ishkhanutyun, reporting on the visit said increase in import of natural gas from Iran with an aim of removing gas supply problems for the Syunik Region is one of the subjects that will be discussed during the visit. Armenian energy minister Armen Movsisian recently announced that Yerevan is ready to buy two billion cubic meters of gas from Iran annually. Armenia possesses low hydrocarbon reserves and is dependent on importation of fuel, a nuclear power plant built under the former Soviet rule and renewable energy resources. With regard to political differences with the Republic of Azerbaijan, the country supplies its energy demands from Iran and Georgia. Armenia started importation of gas from Iran as of 2009./end