01 June 2004 07:48
Israel wants long-term shipments from Gazprom
MOSCOW. June 1 (Interfax) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stressed the country's interest in long-term
contracts for gas supplies at a meeting with Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller, Gazprom said in a press release.
The Gazprom delegation headed by Miller discussed shipments of Russian gas and Gazprom participation in creating gas
infrastructure during the visit.
The Gazprom delegation that included head of capital construction and transport Mikhail Akselrod held talks with
Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Finance Minister Beniamin Netanyahu, Infrastructure Minister Iosef Paritski, and Ofer
Group President Eden Ofer.
Israel is asking Gazprom to ensure supplies of Russian gas to the
country of 6 billion - 8 billion cubic meters per annum, Vlada
Israel plans massive projects over the next few years to develop its gas market. It will increase the share of gas in
the energy balance from less than 1% to 25% by 2025. To do this is must build gas pipelines, low-pressure grids, and new
power plants that will use gas. The Israeli government wants Gazprom to be involved in the projects, namely to design
and build gas grids.
The sides agreed to form a working group for the project. The best option would be to supply Russian gas through
Turkey using the Blue Stream pipeline and build a new gas pipeline through the Mediterranean Sea. The supply of
liquefied or compressed gas will also be explored.
The sides agreed to sign a memorandum addressing these matters and describing the key tasks of this stage of
cooperation in the gas industry.
Rusakova, head of the company's strategic development department, has said.
Gas consumption is expected to increase as the energy sector
grows. According to the Infrastructure Ministry, natural gas
She said that the project to supply gas to Israel has been on the table since 1998. Previously Israel wanted to
receive 2 billion - 3 billion cubic meters of gas per annum, which made supplies unprofitable at the proposed price. In
particular, enormous investment was required in the construction of a gas pipeline, Rusakova said.
However, at the moment Israel is proposing to Gazprom to supply 6 billion - 8 billion cubic meters per year.
"This is interesting to us, at this level of supplies investment will be paid back," Rusakova said.
Oil makes up about 67% of Israel's energy balance, coal makes up 30%, and natural gas accounts for less than 1%.
Israel does not have significant hydrocarbon reserves. Proven natural gas reserves are estimated at 45 billion cubic
meters and gas production totals 100 million cubic meters a year.
consumption will reach 11.5 billion cubic meters in 2025. [RU EUROE EEU EMRG ELG TRD IL MEAST]
[Interfax] |
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