Meeting between Alexey Miller and Alu Alkhanov held
Message to the Media
Gazprom’s Headquarters today hosted a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Gazprom’s Management Committee Chairman and Alu Alkhanov, President of the Chechen Republic.
The meeting explored the implementation of a Cooperation Agreement between Gazprom and the Chechen Republic, focusing on matters relative to natural gas deliveries to the Chechen Republic, its gas debt settlement and current gas payments, rehabilitation and secure & safe operation of the Republican gas industry.
“The long-awaited inflow of gas payments from Chechnya is a good indication of improving business relations between the Chechen Republic and Gazprom. Successful implementation of the Cooperation Agreement provisions and foundation of Chechenregiongaz have surely contributed to it,” – maintained Alexey Miller.
“Gazprom has provided invaluable assistance for the revitalization of the economy of the Chechen Republic. By joining our efforts, we’ll be able to meet all the challenges confronting us, build up mutually beneficial cooperation and ensure efficient operation of the Republican gas industry,” – stated Alu Alkhanov.
Alexey Miller and Alu Alkhanov agreed to produce and enter into a cooperation agreement over 2005 until the February-end, with its major guidelines already submitted for the Gazprom’s top management’s review. Said guidelines include developing investment programs for gas transmission and distribution infrastructure upgrading, channeling up to RUR 500 mln in investments into the construction of Chechnya’s gas pipelines and social gas facilities, Chechengazprom and Chechengaz’s entering the Gazprom Group and reducing household gas prices regulated by the Federal Agency for Tariffs.
Ultimately, the meeting resolved to produce joint proposals in regards to the Chechen gas customers’ debt settlement procedure to be afterwards presented to the RF Government for consideration.
Background
Gazprom and the Government of the Chechen Republic entered into a 5-year Cooperation Agreement in April 2004.
Founded in accordance with the Agreement, Chechenregiongaz, a Mezhregiongaz 100% subsidiary, oversees gas deliveries to the region and collection of respective gas payments.
In 2004, Gazprom provided Chechen consumers with over 2.3 bcm of gas, which is 140% on the target. The critical condition of the gas industry and non-sanctioned gas withdrawals are basic causes of gas over-consumption in Chechnya.
As of 1 January 2005, the Chechen consumers’ gas debt averaged RUR 5 bcm.
The Chechen Republic accommodates the federal Chechengazprom and Chechengaz-operated gas mains transmitting gas to the Republic of Daghestan, Stavropol Area as well as Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia.
Information Directorate, OAO Gazprom