ArmInfo. Azerbaijan, having its own gas reserves, is ready to purchase Russian gas based on economic interests, while Armenia, lacking its own gas, is discussing the possibility of abandoning Russian gas. This is how Vahe Davtyan, a doctor of political science, professor, and leading researcher at the Center for Caucasian Studies at the Institute of Central Asia and Geophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, commented on the statement by Elshad Nasirov, Vice President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), about Baku's intention to resume purchasing Russian gas from Gazprom.
He stated that Azerbaijan is effectively returning to Russian gas. "It is noteworthy that we are talking about a country with its own gas reserves and strengthening its position in the European market. Let me remind you that starting in 2027, Baku has committed to doubling gas exports to Europe, bringing them to 20 billion cubic meters per year. Baku is demonstrating a fairly pragmatic approach. "Importing Russian gas could create additional opportunities to meet domestic demand and maintain export volumes," he noted.
Against this backdrop, the expert continued, Armenian authorities continue to talk about reducing dependence on Russian gas and seeking alternative supplies, primarily from Azerbaijan. "This paints an interesting picture. Azerbaijan, with its own gas reserves, is ready to purchase Russian gas based on economic interests. Armenia, lacking its own gas, is discussing the possibility of abandoning Russian gas," he noted in a post on social media. However, he did not rule out the possibility that after the visits to Yerevan by Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev and Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozerov, the level of anti-Russian rhetoric by the Armenian authorities has steadily declined.
