Russia could halt gas supplies to Armenia starting November 1 if Yerevan fails to meet a number of political demands set by Moscow. This was reported by the Armenian newspaper *Hraparak*, citing its own sources.

According to the publication, Moscow might cite a major "accident" or *force majeure* event as the reason for not resuming Russian gas supplies.

Conditions that *Hraparak* sources claim the Russian side might present to Yerevan include dropping discussions on the future of the Russian military base in Gyumri, halting actions against companies with Russian capital, and ceasing criminal prosecutions of pro-Russian politicians. Moscow might also reportedly demand the appointment of a deputy prime minister acceptable to the Kremlin. Another potential issue, according to the newspaper, concerns Armenia's foreign policy direction: Yerevan would allegedly have to either abandon the law initiating the European integration process or set a date for a referendum on joining the European Union.

It is worth noting that Russian gas supplies to Armenia are currently suspended until September 25 due to scheduled maintenance, with domestic demand being met from storage reserves. Meanwhile, there is already public discussion in Yerevan regarding the need for alternative gas sources.

For instance, on September 16, Alen Simonyan, Secretary of Armenia's Security Council, stated that the country does not intend to swap its dependence on one supplier for dependence on another.

"In all matters concerning economic security, Armenia has chosen—and will continue to choose—alternatives and balance; this tactic will be maintained," Simonyan told reporters on Wednesday when asked about a potential hike in Russian gas prices.

When asked which country Armenia would start buying gas from, Simonyan replied: "From all possible sources." "We intend to buy gas from wherever possible. If Russia supplies us with gas, we will buy from Russia; if Azerbaijan supplies it, we will buy from Azerbaijan; if Iran, then from Iran. If an opportunity arises to purchase gas from Turkey, we will buy from there as well. Who says we have to jump from one pocket straight into another?" the Security Council Secretary said.

Simonyan also questioned the common perception that Russian gas is unequivocally the cheaper option for Armenia.

"And who said the gas price is lower? And who said the price of gas is measured solely in dollars? You can see that gas is being used as a political currency," he stated.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also stated that Armenia will seek alternative supply sources regardless of the price set by Moscow. However, the final terms and timeline for any potential change in the gas import structure have not yet been officially announced.