Armenia’s economy will not face an apocalypse, and those who believe otherwise do not understand economics, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press briefing, commenting on a report by four EAEU countries and the possibility of a 69% increase in gas prices.
“There will be no apocalypse in Armenia’s economy. Those who talk about an apocalypse do not understand economics. I am saying this firmly,” Pashinyan said, Sputnik Armenia reported.
In September, Armenian Central Bank Governor Martin Galstyan said that an increase in gas prices would essentially entail something apocalyptic, requiring a stronger-than-usual and unconventional response.
Commenting on the Central Bank governor’s statement, Pashinyan said the Central Bank is an independent institution and can say whatever it wants, while he represents the government.
He also questioned how gas could be two to three times more expensive in neighboring Turkey and Azerbaijan, while tomatoes grown there are two to three times cheaper.
According to the prime minister, an apocalypse was also predicted in 2019, 2020 and other years, yet Armenia’s economy continued to grow. Pashinyan also stated that gas prices had increased twice over the past eight years, but thanks to conscientious taxpayers, the government had managed to ensure that Armenian citizens did not feel the impact.
“Weren’t you aware? Prices went up in 2019. Didn’t you know? They went up again afterward. The Armenian government, thanks to taxpaying citizens, simply managed to make sure that the increase was not noticeable to the Armenian people. Doesn’t anyone ask, ‘Wait, gas prices have gone up, so why haven’t they gone up for us?'” he said, Radar.am reported.
