According to the rough estimates, the upcoming rise in gas prices in Armenia will raise electricity prices by an average of 30 percent, Armenian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan said in an interview with Armenian "Shant" TV channel, Armenianreport reported.
Movsisyan said that the price on electricity for consumers in Armenia has not been changed for a long time, despite the increase in prices on fuel, materials, equipment, currency exchange rate fluctuations and other factors.
He added that the gas prices are expected to be increased by 20 percent for the population and up to 15 percent for business, although the gas negotiations with "Gazprom" are still underway and growth may be more restrained.
The tariff for electricity for the Armenian population in the daytime has hit 30 drams per 1 kWh, and the rate at night - 20 drams since April 1, 2009. The tariff for commercial consumers varies between 21 and 25 drams. A single tariff of 17 drams per 1 kWh was set for all enterprises at night.
The official exchange rate is 417.08 drams per $1 on May 22.