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Gazprom split-off initiated by Rosneft CEO — head of antimonopoly service

The issue of splitting Gazprom into transport and production units may be discussed by presidential commission on fuel and energy complex

Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin TASS/Mikhail Metzel

Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin

© TASS/Mikhail Metzel

MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. The issue of splitting Russia’s gas producer Gazprom has been initiated by Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Igor Sechin, Head of Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service Igor Artemyev said on Friday.

"The issue has been initiated by the head of Rosneft Igor Sechin though it had been subject of discussion for a decade," he said.

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Russia's oil giant wants Russian gas giant reformed

Gazprom split-off to be decided by presidential commission

The official said the issue of splitting Gazprom into transport and production units may be discussed by presidential commission on fuel and energy complex.

"The issue should be discussed within the respective program of gas market development, and the competition development road map implies such a document," he said, adding that it may be included in the agenda of presidential commission on fuel and energy complex.

As TASS reported earlier Russia’s First Deputy of Energy Minister Alexey Texler said the issue is not included in the presidential commission’s agenda. Market participants insist on splitting Gazprom’s transport assets into a separate company, which in their view will enhance transparency of rate setting for gas transportation.

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