MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Berlin’s politically motivated rejection of Russian gas has led to a fivefold increase in gas prices over the past five years, Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexey Shevtsov said in a commentary.

"In the context of diversification, the first thing that comes to mind is Europe, particularly the former powerhouse of its economy, Germany. Berlin’s politically motivated rejection of Russian gas has led to a fivefold increase in gas prices over the past five years. As a result, we are seeing economic stagnation turning into recession, a sharp decline in industrial production, and a reduction in the number of jobs," he said.

"At the same time, it should be kept in mind that Germany, unlike Armenia, has developed infrastructure that allows it to receive pipeline and liquefied gas from various sources, although the use of LNG adds the costs of liquefaction, tanker freight, and regasification to the price of every cubic meter," Shevtsov added.