Gazprom dangles direct gas imports in front of Romania, in exchange for local gas deposits

Gazprom VP Aleksandr Medvedev has met with Adrian Videanu, the Romanian economy minister, to discuss possible joint projects between Romania and Russia in the natural gas sector. One of the subjects on the agenda was the possibility of setting up a mixed company, Romgaz-Gazprom, to develop natural gas deposit capacities. 

Another topic was cooperation with Transgaz for the development of the gas transportation network in order to extend the contracts for energy transportation from Russia to the Balkan countries, which expire in 2011.

“Relations with Romania in energy are considered strategic and we believe that cooperative relations between our countries will expand. We intend to contribute later on to the energy security of our European partners, including Romania,” Medvedev said at the end of the meeting.

Also addressed were aspects of the possible expansion of cooperation with Gazprom in the production of electricity. Gazprom has expressed its interest to have direct relations with Romgaz on gas imports. An experts’ meeting to discuss the technical details of all these propositions was arranged for the end of Q1. Currently, Romania imports gas from Russia through WIEE and Imex Oil, under contracts that will end in 2012. According to preliminary information, Gaprom Eksport provided 2.04 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Romania in 2009.

Dana Ciuraru

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