Russian antitrust supports Novatek’s idea to export gas via Gazprom

MOSCOW, Mar 23 (PRIME) -- Russia’s independent gas producer Novatek should export natural gas to Europe through gas giant Gazprom’s pipelines, the Federal Antimonopoly Service Director Igor Artemyev told reporters Wednesday.

Vedomosti business daily reported that Novatek CEO Leonid Mikhelson sent a letter to President Vladimir Putin proposing that its Swiss trader Novatek Gaz & Power Gmbh (NGP) be allowed to supply gas from Arcticgas, Novatek’s joint venture with Gazprom Neft, to European consumers through Gazprom Export at an export netback price.

“Novatek always pleases us with their initiatives, they are always looking for new ways, good for them,” Artemyev said. “Now they want to export through Gazprom. Why not? We support the idea that Novatek should develop in the best way possible. We support this initiative, all their initiatives.”

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