Azerbaijan Won't Buy Russian Gas

"Azerbaijan's giving no answer to Gazprom in negotiations on Russian gas imports to Azerbaijan means refusing Russian gas supplies," Azerbaijani Industry and Energy Minister Natig Aliyev said. In his words, bilateral talks between Azerbaijani and Russian energy officials held in Moscow proved fruitless.

"As per the current agreement, Azerbaijan can import Russian gas till January 1. I personally think that the Azeri government will not buy Russian gas. As for alternative variants Azerbaijan holds no talks with Iran on the issue at present," Aliyev said.

Gazprom announced that Russia will draw the balance of supplies for the next year without taking Azerbaijan into account. Gazprom's representatives said they will circulate 1.5 billion cu m of gas between Russian and European consumers. Besides, Azerbaijan is going to use extra gas for export what is inexpedient for the gas giant.

In 2006 Azerbaijan imported 4.5 billion cu m of gas at the price of $110 for thousand cu m. In 2007 the Russian side intends to raise the price up to $235.

By PanARMENIAN.Net