UPDATE 3: CEO says Gazprom’s non-CIS gas exports can reach 205 bcm ‘18

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ST.PETERSBURG, Oct 4 (PRIME) – Gazprom’s exports to non-CIS states can rise to 205 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2018 from 194.4 bcm in 2017, CEO Alexei Miller said at a forum on Thursday.

“The absolute figure of supplies will be higher than 200 bcm. This means we will approach and maybe even reach the level of supplies to Europe of 205 bcm. This the maximum annual ordered amount under all supply contracts to the European market,” Miller said.

Miller said that the European partners intend to buy more gas from Russia.

Gazprom is ready to start gas pumping via Nord Stream-2 from January 1, 2020, the CEO said. “Our work schedule says that we can be absolutely sure about being able to start gas supplies via Nord Stream-2 from January 1, 2020.”

The loading of Nord Stream exceeds capacity by 7% at 59 bcm.

Miller separately said that Gazprom will finish the construction of the sea part of the TurkStream pipeline in two months.

The company will hold a series of meetings with China’s CNPC soon in order to settle details of a contract concerning the Western route of Russian gas supply to China.

Additional supplies via the Sila Sibiri pipeline to China can amount to 5–10 bcm a year, Miller said. “This is the fastest and the most effective way to ensure even supplies in winter, to smooth down the peaks of consumption.”

The official said that Gazprom will produce the gas to be sold to China using own capacities.

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