EGF Gazprom Monitor, Issue 70, March 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: European Commission invites stakeholders to offer opinions on Gazprom"s proposed commitments in relation to the antitrust investigation; Poland set to challenge EU antitrust settlement with Gazprom; Gazprom"s proposals: analysis; Proposal № 1: Destination Clauses; Proposal № 2: Pricing; Proposal № 3: Infrastructure; Gazprom"s proposals: Conclusions
  • Gazprom in the Baltic region: Gazprom postpones proposed Baltic LNG project; Blue Baltic LNG network project launched; Gorskaya LNG receives funding boost; World"s first purpose-built LNG bunkering vessel set to arrive in Zeebrugge; Other projects
• Nord Stream: Nord Stream 2 contractor begins weight-coating of steel pipes for offshore section; Nord Stream 2 Chief Financial Officer gives project update; Uncertainties over expected date of conclusion of Nord Stream 2 project financing deal; Project continues, but uncertainties remain; Poland opposes EU-Gazprom settlement on OPAL pipeline; Naftogaz applies to intervene in PGNiG suit at ECJ and files suit against European Commission
• Southern Corridor: Turkish President visits Moscow as Russian Energy Minister and Gazprom CEO reaffirm plans to launch construction of Turkish Stream in H2 2017 but Turkish Ambassador suggests that 2nd line "depends on Moscow and Brussels"
• Ukraine: Gazprom continues to appeal against anti-monopoly fine in relation to gas transit in Ukraine
• Asia: Gazprom postpones FID on 3rd LNG train at Sakhalin-II