Armenia is discussing the possibility of transporting liquefied
natural gas (LNG) from Russia to its territory by rail through
Azerbaijan, the Armenian Ministry of Economy said, seeking to
ensure reliable energy supplies after disruptions on traditional
routes, Azernews reports.
According to the ministry’s statement, Armenia currently imports
gas mainly from Russia and Iran, but “problems have arisen” with
both sources. Difficulties on the Iranian route are tied to broader
regional issues, while complications with Russia relate to
congestion and logistical challenges at the Verkhny (Upper) Lars
border crossing on the Russia–Georgia frontier. The ministry
emphasized that these problems are expected to be resolved soon and
that LNG deliveries by rail via Azerbaijan could begin in the near
future.
Officials have called the alternative route an urgent measure to
safeguard energy resources and ensure uninterrupted gas supplies
for domestic needs. Delivering Russian gas through Azerbaijani
territory would mark a significant shift in Armenia’s energy
logistics and reflects evolving cooperation between Yerevan and
Baku following recent diplomatic breakthroughs.
Historical and regional background
The idea of using Azerbaijani transit routes for Armenian energy
and commodity supplies has gained momentum as Armenia seeks to
diversify transit corridors and reduce dependence on traditional
transit bottlenecks:
Upper Lars checkpoint has long been a critical point for
Armenia’s land access to Russia and beyond. Seasonal
weather-related closures and logistical issues at this crossing
have frequently disrupted freight traffic, including fuel and gas
deliveries, making Armenia vulnerable to supply interruptions.
Iranian supply challenges stem from broader regional
complications, including economic sanctions impacts and
transportation bottlenecks, which have at times limited the volume
of gas Iran can export to Armenia.
Since late 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan have also begun moving
key commodities through Azerbaijan’s territory — including Russian
grain and Azerbaijani petroleum products — after years of closed
borders following conflict in the region. This reflects a renewed
period of economic and logistical cooperation that has opened up
new supply options for Armenia.
Locally, some analysts and commentators link recent price spikes
in LNG in Armenia to these supply disruptions and transit
challenges, while noting that increased deliveries through
Azerbaijan could help stabilize energy costs.