EGF Gazprom Monitor, Issue 69, February 2017

A Snapshot of Key Developments in the External Relations of the Russian Gas Sector

By Dr Jack Sharples, EGF Associate Researcher on the External Dimensions of Russian Gas and Lecturer in Energy Politics at the European University of St Petersburg

• Gazprom and the EU:
  • Gazprom on the European market: Gazprom prepares for limited recovery of gas prices, and hopes for continued large sales volumes, on the European market in 2017
  • Gazprom in the Baltic region: Plans for Estonian LNG terminal hit setback as Paldiski project denied EU funding; Gazprom proposes new Baltic gas auction in summer 2017; Gazprom sub-contractor signs contract with German Linde for mid-scale Baltic LNG terminal
• Nord Stream: Gazprom consolidates its 100 percent shareholding in Nord Stream 2 AG project consortium; Gazprom awards tender for offshore pipelaying to Allseas; Swedish municipality agrees to lease port facilities for Nord Stream 2 construction
• Southern Corridor: President Putin signs law confirming Russian ratification of Russia-Turkey Intergovernmental Agreement on Turkish Stream; Gazprom signs pipe-laying contract with Allseas for second line of Turkish Stream, announces construction launch in H2 2017
• Ukraine: Kyiv court dismisses Gazprom"s appeal over forced recovery of anti-monopoly fine; Naftogaz voices concerns over drop in pipeline pressure on Russian-Ukrainian border at Sudzha
• Asia: Gazprom CEO holds meetings to discuss progress on Power of Siberia and possibility of gas exports to China from Russia"s Far East; Context: Gazprom and CNPC; Analysis: The utility of pipeline gas exports to China from Russia"s Far East; Gazprom intends to take final investment decision on expansion of Sakhalin LNG terminal in 2018
• Other news: Second line of Bovanenkovo-Ukhta pipeline brought on stream