MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. The consumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) as motor fuels in Russia could grow from the current level of approximately 2.5 bln to 14 bln cubic meters per year by 2035, according to Russia’s First Deputy Minister of Energy Pavel Sorokin.
"According to this concept [for the development of natural gas motor fuels until 2035], the volume of gas fuel consumption (LNG and CNG) could increase from the current 2.5 to 14 bln [cubic meters]. That’s over 10 years. It’s an ambitious forecast," he said. A more conservative estimate suggests growth of 3.5-fold to 8-10 bln cubic meters per year.
Sorokin added that efforts should be directed toward reducing subsidies for LNG refueling stations and instead focusing on subsidizing vehicle manufacturers, including leasing support.
He recalled that the Ministry of Energy has been implementing a subsidy program for the gas-fueled transport sector since 2018, during which time the number of gas refueling stations has more than doubled, reaching 1,670 units.