Gazprom and Irkutsk Oblast Government sign Agreement of Cooperation and consider regional gasification prospects

The parties addressed the regional gasification and gas supply related issues.
Special attention was paid to developing gas production from the Chikanskoye field and to elaborating the synchronization schedule for preparation of the population centers located near the Chikanskoye gas and condensate field (GCF) – Sayansk – Angarsk – Irkutsk gas trunkline being designed. Under consideration was also the issue relevant to constructing phase 2 of the Bratskoye GCF – Bratsk gas trunkline.
The meeting underlined the importance of creating the optimal economic environment in the region to deliver investment projects in the gas processing and gas chemical sectors.
A joint working meeting on gas supply to and gasification of the region took place between working groups of Gazprom and the Irkutsk Oblast Government.
It was emphasized that one of the new gas production centers would be created in the Irkutsk Oblast according to the Eastern Gas Program. In parallel, natural gas will play a significant role in the regional socio-economic development both through gasification activities and through construction of advanced gas processing and gas chemical facilities.
The meeting resulted in the endorsement of the Minutes of the Meeting. Under the document, the working groups should, inter alia, elaborate the gas pricing principles for the regional consumers and compile the consumer preparation schedule within the project for the Bratskoye GCF – Bratsk gas trunkline construction, phase 2.
Alexey Miller and Dmitry Mezentsev signed the Agreement of Cooperation between Gazprom and the Irkutsk Oblast Government.
The document identifies the Eastern Gas Program execution in the region as the prioritized cooperation target.
In this regard, the Agreement envisages the following paramount cooperation areas:
    * study and delivery of efficient projects in field prospecting, exploration and development, as well as hydrocarbon processing and transmission;
    * elaboration and execution of gas supply and gasification programs;
    * advancement of the gas processing and gas chemical industries;
    * production and utilization of gas as a transport fuel;
    * development and adoption of gas saving technologies;
    * creation of the comprehensive eco-monitoring system.
According to the document, the parties recognize the necessity to improve the regional fuel and energy structure and to apply the market-based gas prices that would sustain competition with other fuels.
The Irkutsk Oblast Government will support investment projects related to hydrocarbons production, gas supply and gasification, energy saving and environmental improvement in the region, including adoption of regulations on tax incentives for the companies involved in such projects.
Gazprom will be assisted in allocation of lands for production facilities construction.
The document is signed for an indefinite period.