PRESS: Novatek again wants to buy Tambei fields from Gazprom

MOSCOW, Apr 19 (PRIME) -- Russian independent gas producer Novatek has again discussed at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin the purchase of the huge Tambei group of gas fields from gas giant Gazprom, Kommersant daily reported on Monday citing sources.

“On April 13, at a meeting with Vladimir Putin, (Novatek CEO and core owner Leonid) Mikhelson again raised the question of the necessity of transferring the Tambei cluster on the Yamal Peninsula to Novatek,” the daily reported.

“The licenses are currently owned by Gazprom, which planned to deliver gas via a pipe. Novatek wanted to acquire the premises from Gazprom once in 2017 to expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) cluster on Yamal. (Gazprom) managed to stop the contender’s attempts to get the deposits then, but it has not still presented any clear plans for development of the fields,” the daily reported.

One of the sources said that Mikhelson has suggested paying for the fields partially in cash, and partially with Novatek’s shares. Gazprom presently holds a 9.99% stake in the company.

According to Kommersant, Gazprom is not willing to sell the deposits. Its representatives declined to comment on the situation.

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