ANKARA, December 1. /TASS/. Russian, Turkish ministries and gas companies has been tasked by the two countries’ presidents to draft a project of a new gas pipeline as soon as possible, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday.

“After the top level talks, it was suggested that Gazprom and a Turkish company look at building a gas pipeline to Turkey. Taking into account Turkey’s forecasts of growing gas consumption, the two countries’ energy ministries have been instructed jointly with companies to work on this project to ensure additional gas supplies to Turkey and to create a gas hub at the Turkish-Greek border that will be used to supply gas to consumers in Europe’s southern countries,” he told journalists, adding that detailed proposals on the gas pipeline’s route, financing mechanisms and volumes of supply will be submitted to the heads of state.

Too early to speak about cost of new gas pipeline to Turkey, terms of its realization and technical aspects of Black Sea bed section - also told Novak.

Russia committed to its contract liabilities and will remain reliable supplier - Russian energy minister, said Novak.

Turkey may have a 15% discount on Russian gas

Turkey may have a 15% discount on Russian gas based on the implementation of joint projects, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday. “The Turkish side suggested gas price be reduced by 15% But this will require participation in joint projects. We are discussing this matter, and the six-percent discount from January 1, 2015 is the first step,” he said.

The Russian minister noted that further discounts on gas prices were subject for talks but stressed that 15% is the maximum discount Russian could offer in perspective.