Georgia and Gazprom reach consensus on transit of Russian gas to Armenia

ArmInfo. Georgian government and Russian Gazprom Export have reached an agreement, according to which Georgia will receive monetary compensation for transit of Russian gas to Armenia, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy of Georgia Kakha Kaladze stated.

The third meeting between Kaladze and headship of Gazprom Export took place yesterday in Minsk. After the meeting the Minister told journalists that Gazprom has voiced new and final terms on Russian gas transit to Armenia.  Passing to financial payment for transit was the main issue of the meeting, Kaladze informed. Earlier he had stated that the Georgian side has a very simple stand: in case of financial repayment the country should receive the same benefit as in case of receiving natural gas for transit.

After today's session the Georgian government decided to accept proposal of Gazprom Export on paying for transit of gas to Armenia.  ''As for the transit cost it will be one of the highest among the European countries'', Kaladze told journalists.

The Minister also stressed that Georgia has received an opportunity to receive additional amount of natural gas on reduced price in case of seasonal needs- $185 for 1 thsd cubic meters instead of $215.  According to him the agreement was signed for two years, during the first year (2017) both types of payment for transit will be used while later only monetary payment will be made. ''This was the best decision considering the current situation'', Kaladze noted.  ''Georgia respects international principles and norms, which is very important for a country performing a transit function'', he stated.

Georgia consumes 2.5 bln gas annually, the main supplier of which is Azerbaijan. The country has not purchased Russian gas since 2007. At the same time Georgia received 10% of supplies of Russian gas to Armenia as a payment for transit.