A Snapshot of Key Developments in the External Relations of the Russian Gas Sector for September 2012
By Jack Sharples, EGF Associate Researcher on the external dimensions of Russian gas

Key points:

• The European Commission launches an antitrust investigation of Gazprom, as the company is suspected of imposing unfair prices in Central and Eastern Europe. Gazprom claims innocence, but a Presidential Decree preventing Russian strategic companies (such as Gazprom) from disclosing information to foreign investigators without Russian government permission suggests that Moscow is concerned about the investigation.
• President Putin claims that the second line of Nord Stream is to be launched on 8 October, although this is yet to be confirmed by Nord Stream AG, Gazprom, or the Russian Energy Ministry.
• South Stream AG considers tenders for steel pipes for South Stream, as Gazprom vows to continue with the project despite the launching of the antitrust investigation of Gazprom by the European Commission.
• Gazprom hosts a meeting with the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation and claims ‘a step forward’ in long-running negotiations, although sources suggest significant disagreements remain between the two parties.
• As Ukraine seeks lower gas purchases (27 bcm) from Russia in 2012, a new winter dispute cannot be ruled out.
• Gazprom indefinitely suspends the Shtokman project, but signs a long-term cooperation agreement with Rosneft for the development of Russia’s continental shelf.
• Gazprom and Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy sign a Memorandum on the Vladivostok LNG project – with a final investment decision expected in early 2013.

• October 6, 2012

Russia extended its military presence in Tajikistan for 30 years on Friday in a deal to secure the southern fringes of its former Soviet empire after NATO troops leave Afghanistan.

• October 5, 2012

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said Thursday that with good progress in relationship between Pakistan and Russian Federation over the years, there is consensus in Pakistan that our relations with Russian Federation should be further strengthened. Russia is very important because of its linkages with Europe and Asia, he added.

• October 5, 2012

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Monday said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Russian Federation and is keen to intensify economic ties between the two countries.

• October 2, 2012

ISSUE #37
09/24/2012
Selective application of justice has become an obstacle to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's visits to the EU, Swedish Foreign Minister Karl Bildt said in an interview with the Kommersant Ukraina business daily on 19 September 2012. READ MORE

• October 1, 2012

ISSUE #36
09/17/2012
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Hryshchenko has said he is certain that the Ukraine-EU summit would take place before the end of 2012. Hryshchenko made a statement to this effect on 14 September 2012, the Lb.ua news and analysis website has reported. READ MORE

• October 1, 2012

Britain may receive more Norwegian gas in the 2012/2013 gas year as continental European customers take more Russian supplies, which became more competitive following contract negotiations during the past months, analysts said on Monday.

• September 29, 2012

Chinese, Australian and Russian companies take an interest in Kyrgyzstan’s Dzherui deposit. Ishenbai Chunuyev, director of the State Agency on Geology and Mineral Resources, said during today’s meeting with journalists at Kumtor mine.

• September 29, 2012