Russia notifies Armenia it may terminate preferential gas deal

Russia has formally notified Armenia's Foreign Ministry of a potential termination of a bilateral trade and energy agreement dating back to 2013, TASS reported on Tuesday.

Under the deal, Russia supplies Armenia with natural gas, petroleum products, and rough diamonds duty-free and on preferential terms designated for domestic consumption — arrangements that have formed a significant pillar of energy and trade ties between the two countries for more than a decade.

Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had received official notification from Moscow regarding the possible end of the agreement. The ministry did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding Russia's move, and the TASS report included no timeline for a final decision, nor any explanation from the Russian side for initiating the termination process.

The potential unwinding of the deal could carry notable implications for Armenia's energy supply costs, given that the preferential pricing has shielded Yerevan from full market-rate expenses on key commodities. Further details are expected as the situation develops.