Armenia may get a real benefit from joining the
Customs Union, Bruno Balvanera, EBRD Director for Caucasus, Moldova and
Belarus, said at today's press conference in Yerevan. He thinks that the
country may enjoy low gas tariffs.
The Customs Union countries have the same tariffs and
this is one of the privileges of the Customs Union members. This will have a
positive effect on Armenia's economy and curb inflation, Balvanera said.
Balvanera said that he respects Armenia's decisions
and added that the organizer of the Customs Union, Russia, is also an EBRD
member and is responsible for almost 30% of the bank's transactions.
He said that the EBRD has cooperated with the Customs
Union member states, but it is early yet to say what economic benefits the
Union will give Armenia - for the country is just starting to negotiate its
accession.
On Apr 1 2013 Russia raised its gas price for Armenia
from $180 to $270 per 1,000 c m. Due to the Armenian Government's subsidies the
price has been reduced to $189. They in the Government said earlier that they
were expecting a grant from Russia for continuing to subsidize the gas price.