MOSCOW, July 28. / TASS / The Ministry of Energy spoke in favor of retaining Gazprom's monopoly right to export pipeline gas, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said at the Chamber of Commerce meeting.

"We are focusing on maintaining a single export channel," he said.

As previously reported, Rosneft has asked to allow it along with other gas producers, to begin test gas supply deliveries to Europe under the quota. The proposal was sent to the Energy Ministry. At the same time, Rosneft has suggested to consider allocating a separate pipeline for Gazprom to use apart from the company.

Currently, Gazprom owns the exclusive right to export pipeline gas. The gas monopoly said that the liberalization of the pipeline gas export is currently impractical and can shake the foundations of the market. According to the deputy chairman of Gazprom Alexander Medvedev, the Russian independent producers want to export gas at a lower price, without investing in the development of the pipeline system.