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Gazprom to invest over RUB29 bln in development of gas supply networks in 2011

Investments of Russia’s gas monopoly Gazprom in the development of the gas supply networks will exceed 29 billion roubles in 2011

MOSCOW, November 21 (Itar-Tass) ——Investments of Russia’s gas monopoly Gazprom in the development of the gas supply networks will exceed 29 billion roubles (USD 1 = RUB 30.97) in 2011, which will make it possible to connect about 400 towns and villages to the gas distribution networks, the company said in a report on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Head of the Presidential Administration Sergei Naryshkin, Governor of the Leningrad Region Valery Serdyukov and Gazprom Deputy CEO Valery Golubev attended an event devoted to the linking to the gas supply network of the village of Miny in the Gatchina district of the Leningrad region.

The connection of the village to the gas network became possible after the end of the construction of a gas pipeline, which linked the village of Miny with the village of Vyritsy. The specialists have already started to link private houses to the network.

After the ceremony, Golubev and Serdyukov signed a treaty of cooperation between Gazprom and the regional government for 2012. Under the document, the two sides will continue developing the gas supply network, as well as implement the project for the construction of the Gryazovets-Vyborg gas pipeline in the region.

Gazprom and the regional government plan to continue implementation of targeted programs for the building of new and upgrading of the existing heating supply systems. The company will assign 680 million roubles for the purpose.

Besides, the company and the region will step up joint activities aimed at the more intensive use of natural gas as an engine fuel.

The regional government will render tax and other preferences, envisaged by the law, to the organisations which are taking part in the gas- and heating-supply projects in the region. Gazprom and its subsidiaries will receive location preferences.

In addition, the Leningrad region will do its utmost to prepare new consumers for gas supplies, as well as to promote approval of regional regulations for the expansion of the engine gas use.

Gazprom, in turn, will guarantee the undisrupted gas supplies to the regional consumers. The company will continue developing gas supply and distribution networks, as well as to envisage funds in its investment program for the implementation of feasibility studies for the construction of a gas pipeline stretch towards Primorsk.

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