Armenian residents linked the liquefied gas shortage to gasoline supplies from Azerbaijan.

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In Armenia, amid a shortage, the price of liquefied natural gas has risen significantly, forcing many motorists to switch to gasoline. They believe the authorities are attempting to force them to buy gasoline supplied from Azerbaijan.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on January 9, Azerbaijan sent its second shipment of petroleum products to Armenia – nearly 2,000 tons of gasoline and diesel fuel – in three weeks. Earlier, on December 18, 2025, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic delivered locally produced crude oil to Armenia for the first time. Facebook* users considered the trade an indicator of normalizing relations between Baku and Yerevan.

Armenia has been experiencing a shortage of liquefied natural gas for the fourth day amid rising prices. In Yerevan, it costs 250 drams (0.66 cents), while at gas stations along major highways, the price reaches 280 drams (0.74 cents) and more, reports a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Member of the "Armenia" faction of the National Assembly of Armenia Garnik Danielyan noted on his social media page that "in recent days, the price of liquefied gas has increased unprecedentedly - from 180-190 drams to 250 drams." "So far, government members are trying to link the price increase to geopolitical events, in particular. "With regard to what is happening in Iran, or to weather conditions, experts and citizens are concerned that we are dealing with the creation of an artificial shortage, the purpose of which is to sell Azerbaijani gasoline," the MP wrote.

The MP noted that "such a rapid price increase is unacceptable, which will undoubtedly affect the quality of life of our citizens, and not the oligarchs importing Azerbaijani gasoline, or the ministers receiving bonuses of 9 million."

At a meeting with journalists, the Chairman of the Competition and Consumer Protection Committee Gegham Gevorkyan stated that "prices for liquefied gas in Armenia have increased, since it is an exchange commodity and there are changes in the market," adding that "more than 100 companies import liquefied gas to Armenia, the largest importer accounts for no more than 9%."

He also noted that "the closure of The Upper Lars checkpoint, while "the import of Azerbaijani gasoline could not lead to an increase in the price of liquefied gas in Armenia, since these are completely different products."

According to the Armenian publication Hetq, which cites the State Revenue Committee of Armenia, two companies import Azerbaijani gasoline to Armenia: Mega Trade LLC, which belongs to the family of Khachatur Sukiasyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract parliamentary faction and a major businessman, and Shisha World, a company owned by Samvel Mkrtchyan and founded in December 2022.

Residents of Armenia interviewed by a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent also linked the increase in gas prices at gas stations to the supply of Azerbaijani petroleum products.

Arshak Mkrtchyan from the Lori region reported that on January 16, a gas shortage was observed at gas stations throughout The region in the morning, and if there is gas somewhere, it costs 260-280 drams. The man said he came to Yerevan on business and hoped to fill up his car here, but again ran into lines. "I was forced to fill up the car with gasoline. I didn't think about where it came from. In our region, they think that with the opening of the Upper Lars road, the gas shortage will end. But I think this gas shortage is due to Azerbaijani gasoline. It's clear that if there is no gas, we will be forced to fill up our cars with Azerbaijani gasoline," the man said.

Armen Ghukasyan from the Ararat region said that he managed to fill up his car on the afternoon of January 15th. "But the next day there was no gas. My wife is in the hospital, so I can't live without a car. If they don't bring gas, I'll be forced to fill up with gasoline. "Moreover, gasoline has become cheaper these days," the man said.

Spartak Oganisyan from Yerevan believes that "the gas shortage is not related to weather conditions." "We have no doubt that the liquefied gas shortage is not a coincidence. Some say that it happens in winter, that Upper Lars is closed due to weather conditions. But for the gas problem to go on for five days—that has never happened before. For several days now, Azerbaijani gasoline has been selling cheaper—430 drams ($1.14) per liter—than gasoline imported from Russia, which costs 490-500 drams ($1.32)," the young man noted.

"It's clear that Azerbaijani gasoline must be sold, so liquefied gas should be unavailable." "People will be forced to buy gasoline," says Garik Amirjanyan  from Yerevan.

"I'm not the only one who thinks the lack of liquefied gas is due to problems selling Azerbaijani gasoline. After all, many people have refused it. But on the other hand, liquefied gas reserves are running low. A large number of gas stations have already closed. I think soon everyone will be forced to buy gasoline." And no one will explain to them where this gasoline was brought from,” believes Hayk Khachatryan from Yerevan.

He also added that he does not rule out that a fare increase on public transport will soon be announced, because many buses run on liquefied gas.