Nord Stream Offers Russia Ukraine Bypass

摘要

Russia's Gazprom "may divert as much as 20 billion cubic meters [annually (1.9 billion cubic feet per day)]" of gas, currently shipped through Ukraine, and transport it directly through the new Nord Stream pipeline, according to press reports. Ukraine has announced plans to cut purchases from Russia by approximately 18 percent to 27 billion cubic meters, causing controversy between the two neighbors.Gazprom announced that it has started the final stage in preparing the US$12.4 billion Nord Stream pipeline for operation.