The Gazprom headquarters hosted today a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Company’s Management Committee and Dmitry Mezentsev, Governor of the Irkutsk Oblast.

The parties discussed the issues surrounding creation of a gas production center in the Irkutsk Oblast, Gazprom’s resource base development in the region and its further gasification.

Alexey Miller and Dmitry Mezentsev gave special consideration to Gazprom’s participation in the events devoted to the 350th anniversary of Irkutsk. In particular, it was agreed that Gazprom would provide the financial support required to finish the Kharlampievskaya church restoration and that the Company would take a pro-active approach to participation in other cultural and socio-economic projects including the 7th Baikal International Economic Forum.

In addition, a number of sports grounds will be built in Irkutsk and the Irkutsk Oblast in 2011 as part of the Gazprom to Children program.

Background

The Agreement of Cooperation between Gazprom and the Irkutsk Oblast Administration was signed in October 2010, the Accord on Gasification – in December 2009.

The General Scheme for Gas Supply to and Gasification of the Irkutsk Oblast was approved by the Directive of the Irkutsk Oblast Government in 2005 and adjusted in 2009.

In December 2007 the first phase of the Bratsk gas and condensate field (GCF) – Bratsk (45th residential district) gas trunkline was constructed and natural gas deliveries to the city commenced. Bratsk was the first population center of the Irkutsk Oblast to receive pipeline gas. The total length of the first-phase section is 26.6 kilometers. Upon construction of the Bratsk GCF – Bratsk gas trunkline, its total length will amount to nearly 70 kilometers.

In 2007–2009 as part of the Irkutsk Oblast gasification Gazprom invested funds for construction of the Osinovka GDS – Zyaba settlement and the Osinovka GDS – Gidrostroitel settlement gas pipelines.

The celebrations devoted to the 350th anniversary of Irkutsk will take place in 2011. Gazprom is on the Organizing Committee for the anniversary celebrations.

In October 2010 Gazprom initiated construction of a water sports center as part of preparation for the celebrations. The center is designed to facilitate training of Russian and foreign sports teams, arrangement of water sports competitions and international events as well as swimming and physical training of kids and adults.

It is planned to finish construction of the center in 2012.