CEO says Gazprom considers ways to provide gas to Astana

ST. PETERSBURG/ALMATY, Nov 1 (PRIME) -- Russian gas giant Gazprom together with Kazakhstan is considering the route of gas supplies to Astana, CEO Alexei Miller said on Wednesday during the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum.

“Very many regions of Kazakhstan have a border with the regions of the Russian Federation. And, of course, it is economically effective, beneficial to look at the possibility of gas supply and gasification of the northern, northeastern regions of Kazakhstan from the territory of Russia. And for this purpose to consider new gas transportation routes,” he said.

“In particular, a route that would involve gasification of Astana. I can say that such a route is currently in our joint consideration, a technical and economic analysis has already been done.”

Gazprom is in talks with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on 15-year contracts and plans to expand gas supplies through the Central Asia–Center gas pipeline system, Miller said.

The company also considers gas transit through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to third countries, Miller said.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar said that Kazakhstan plans to sign contracts with Gazprom for 15 years in 2024.

The two sides also intend to build up the capacity of the Central Asia–Center gas pipeline and consider gas transfer through Kazakhstan to other countries, he said.

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