OREANDA-NEWS. On October 02, 2007 the Gazprom Headquarters has hosted a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee and Valery Serdyukov, Governor of the Leningrad Oblast, reported the press-centre of Gazprom.

The parties discussed issues related to the Leningrad Oblast gasification. The meeting particularly underscored the necessity to timely implement the schedule on synchronizing preparation of consumers for gas intake by the regional authorities.

Reference:
The Government of the Leningrad Oblast and Gazprom entered into a five-year Cooperation Agreement on April 25, 2003. On December 27, 2006 Gazprom and the Government of the Leningrad Oblast signed the Cooperation Accord for 2007.

In 2006 Gazprom supplied the region with over 4 bcm of gas. In 2007 gas supplies are slated in amount of 4,5 bcm of gas.

Natural gas penetration in the Leningrad Oblast averages 53,5 per cent including 67,6 per cent in cities and towns and 28,4 per cent in rural area. The average rates in Russia are at 58, 64 and 40 per cent, respectively.

During 2002-2006 Gazprom committed nearly RUR 670 mln for gasification of the Leningrad Oblast.

In 2007 Gazprom commits RUR 900 mln for gasification of the Leningrad Oblast. As of October 1, 2007 Gazprom constructed 4 local gas pipelines in the region. Additionally, construction of 1 gas pipeline is at the final stage and of other 2 gas pipelines is conducted in pursuance of the schedule. The gas pipeline commissioning date is December 2007. In its turn the Leningrad Oblast Government provided a switch of 2 heating plants and 2302 households to natural gas. The Government plans to switch 10 heating plants and more than 5000 households to natural gas.