Gazprom Increasing Gas Transmission Via Belarus

Russian gas company Gazprom has said it will increase gas transmission via the Republic of Belarus, following a telephone conversation between CEO of Gazprom, Alexey Miller and Energy Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Ozerets.

The company said in a statement that it would increase gas transit through the country by 4 billion cubic metres in the short term.

"In 2012 Gazprom will raise by 4 billion cubic meters the amount of Russian gas transmission via Belarus to the EU countries," Mr. Miller told the Minister.

The 4 billion cubic metres are in addition to a provisional estimate of 31.3 billion cubic metres of Russian gas transported via Belarus in 2011.

The gas will travel through a pipeline acquired by Gazprom from Belarus last November. The Russian gas company increased in share in Belarusian gas pipeline operator Beltransgas to 100 per cent from 50 per cent at that time.