Epress.am News from Armenia
Members of a local movement called "Let's prevent the increase in gas [prices]" today protested outside the government building, then marched to Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) of the Republic of Armenia located on Saryan Street.
The reason for the protest was a question raised by Armenian National Congress (HAK) MP Aram Manukyan on Oct. 2 in parliament, that it's been almost 6 months that he is not being provided with the contract to raise gas prices. RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan had answered that there is no such contract; it's still in the negotiating stage; and once it's signed, everyone will know about it. One day after the conversation in parliament, Tigran Sargsyan called Aram Manukyan. According to Manukyan. this time the prime minister said there is a contract between two entities: the Russian side and ArmRosGazprom.
Demonstrators were angry that they had not seen the contract. According to them, it's been about 3 months they have been deceiving the people and stealing funds at the state level.
"There is no contract, so on what basis has ArmRosGazprom applied to PSRC for a price increase, and on what basis has the application in question been accepted by PSRC, and why did the price of gas and electricity go up?" said activist and attorney by profession Argishti Kiviryan through a megaphone.
Demonstrator, former presidential candidate Andrias Ghukasyan, in conversation with Epress.am, said the PSRC's decision was appealed, that the case is in court, though there is no progress.
"The court has exhausted the deadlines determined by law to adopt the corresponding decisions. The citizens' demand is natural: the issue being discussed has to come out of the shadows, and why are Republic of Armenia citizens today paying more for gas? Citizens have the right to demand clear information in an important matter related to their vital interests because deals are made behind their backs and people are placed before the fact," he said.
Demonstrators said if they don't get clear answers they will attempt disobedience, while continuing to pay for electricity and gas at the previous rate.