Today, Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee paid a working visit to the Republic of Bashkortostan.

In the frames of the visit, Alexey Miller met with Murtaza Rakhimov, President of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

The parties discussed the progress with implementing the Cooperation Agreement particularly examining issues relevant to further gasification and gas supply to the Republic in 2007.

The meeting addressed Gazprom’s possible purchase of 12 gas distribution stations constructed at the expense of Republican budget.

Within the meeting, Alexey Miller and Murtaza Rakhimov signed the Agreement for cooperation in the oil chemical industry between Gazprom and Bashkortostan.

Reference:

The Agreement for cooperation and Accord on the gasification completion of the Republic of Bashkortostan were signed on June 19, 2003.

Natural gas penetration in Bashkiria’s residential sector is at 78.5 per cent, including 90.3 per cent in cities and towns, and 58.2 per cent in rural area. The identical Russia-averaged parameters make up 54, 61 and 36 per cent, respectively.

In 2007 Gazprom plans to commit RUR 500 mln for construction of seven gas pipelines on the territory of Bashkortostan. In 2007 the Republican authorities plan to invest RUR 400 mln to construct local networks.

In 2006 Gazprom supplied 16 bcm of gas to the Republic and the same amount is slated for this year.

As of February 1, 2007, Bashkiria’s indebtedness for gas delivered is at RUR 685 mln. In 2006 the payment level for current gas supply was at 101 per cent.