Russia Suspends Gas Exports to Armenia for Pipeline Maintenance

Russian natural gas shipments to Armenia are suspended from September 15 to September 25, 2026, to allow for planned maintenance and repair operations on the North Caucasus-Transcaucasia pipeline within the Russian Federation. Gazprom Armenia stated the 10-day shut-off is temporary and not the result of a political or commercial dispute, noting that domestic reserves and increased imports from Iran will ensure consumers receive gas without restrictions.

The maintenance occurs as Armenia seeks to reduce its energy dependency on Russia, which provided 82% of the country's gas imports in 2025 at a discounted rate. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has indicated that Armenia will move to diversify its energy sources and may begin the formal application process for European Union membership.

This energy shift has intensified diplomatic tensions. Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov characterized the preferential gas pricing as direct economic aid from the Russian Federation. In response, Armenian officials have suggested that if Moscow increases gas tariffs, Armenia could withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union, or demand lease payments for Russian military bases.