Russia: it is a high time to strengthen ones positions in the global energy market
It is obvious that Gazprom’s latest moves on international markets have demonstrated that the Russian gas monopoly is raising its positions and becoming integrated into the global market. Russia is becoming a perspective partner for more and more countries.
Due to it bountiful and unexhausted resources Russia becomes a natural energy monopoly and a highly demanded business partner. For example, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller and Gaz de France President Jean-Francois Cirelli have recently signed an agreement to expand contracts for Russian gas supplies until 2030. The prolongation of contracts has also been signed with Italy and Austria. However, German E.ON-Ruhrgas refused to give the Russian gas company access to its sector of the German market, preferring to continue their joint work in building the Nord Stream pipeline under the Baltic Sea.
The duty on oil exports from Russia from February 1, 2007 will be $179.7 per metric ton, down $1 from the same figure set December 1, 2006, while forming the price Russia takes into consideration the price of Russian Urals crude on European markets.
Gazprom’s access to end consumers in France and other European countries demonstrates that Russia is determined to build a balanced system of gas cooperation with Europe that would guarantee the energy security of both parties. Gazprom’s giant resources make it possible to conclude that in the nearest future Russia will get its acquisition of European gas transportation, storage and distribution assets.