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Beltransgaz to increase Russian gas transit by 2 bcm in 2013

In 2012 Russian gas transit through the republic totaled 44.3 billion cubic meters

MINSK, March 22 (Itar-Tass) – Beltransgaz will increase Russian gas transit through the territory of Belarus by 2 billion cubic meters as a minimum in 2013, the director-general of Belarus’ pipeline operator, Vladimir Mayorov, told reporters on Friday.

“In 2012 Russian gas transit through the republic totaled 44.3 billion cubic meters. This year this volume will be increased by 2 billion cubic meters as a minimum,” he said.

Mayorov noted that having acquired a 100 percent stake in Beltransgaz, Russia’s gas giant Gazprom seeks to expand and more effectively use Belarus’ gas pipeline network.

Until the end of the year an investment feasibility study for further development of the gas pipeline network will be prepared, he said.

In compliance with this study “within three-five years around 2 billion dollars in investments will be required depending on the development schemes. We mainly hope for our own funds, but undoubtedly the funds of Belgazprombank and Gazprombank can be needed,” Mayorov said.

It is expected that Beltransgaz will be renamed into Gazpromtransgaz-Belarus soon, he said.

At present, a relevant draft decree remains at the administration of the Belarussian president. As the company’s new name contains the word ‘Belarus’, a decision on renaming Beltransgaz should be probably finalized with Alexander Lukashenko.