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Medvedev: Independent gas producers should undertake social obligations in regions

If an operator is concerned only about economic aspects while working in the regions, “we may consider whether we need an operator of the kind,” the Prime Minister said

MOSCOW, August 30 (Itar-Tass) - Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev called on independent gas producers to undertake social obligations if they are granted the status of regional gas suppliers.

During the meeting on Friday, which was devoted to gas supplies in the regions, Medvedev stressed the position referring to the NOVATEK Company.

If an operator is concerned only about economic aspects while working in the regions, “we may consider whether we need an operator of the kind,” the Prime Minister said. Gas suppliers, which replace Gazprom in the regions, should be ready to undertake general obligations, including those on gas supplies’ arrangements, he said.

Medvedev said a major independent gas producer, NOVATEK, had become an operator for gas supplies to the Kostroma region, where Gazprom used to be working earlier, but the company as yet had not confirmed it would be ready to observe the obligations under social projects, which the gas monopoly used to be carrying out.

“I hope NOVATEK have heard the message,” Medvedev said.