Sechin to make Gazprom open the GTS for independent gas producers

Independent gas producers supplying  to chemical plants can get priority access to Gazprom's GTS. Such decision can be made at the session headed by the Vice Premier Sechin. The governmental order will be executed by the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, FTS and FAS. It should be executed by Q3 2011. These services give no comments upon the issue. The Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, FTS and FAS should elaborate the offers upon discounts for gas bought by fertilizer producers from Gazprom. The offered discounts are 10-15%.  Gas is the main raw material for nitrogen fertilizers production. The largest producers are Eurochem, Uralchem, Akron, Sibur-Minudobreniya and Fosagro. Eurochem, Sibur-Minudobreniya and Fosagro claim to buy gas from Gazprom only. In February the Premier Putin ordered Gazprom to elaborate the issue of priority access to the GTS for all independent producers. If Gazprom doesn't then the Government can even impose amendments to the legislation. Within last few years Mr. Sechin has tried to open Gazprom's GTS for independent producers. In 2008 FAS even issued a project of the corresponding governmental order but it was not coordinated  because of the gas concern's position. Independent companies share 14-16% in the total gas output. If the limitations are ceased their share can rise to 30%.

 Translated by Nadezhda Poltoratskaya

Source: http://www.oilcapital.ru/news/2011/02/181051_164263.shtml