Gazprom Hikes Belarus Stake

摘要

Gazprom is set to increase its stake in Be-larusian state gas pipeline operator Beltrans-gas to 37.5% next week as part of a deal to gradually boost its holding in the firm, according to media reports Thursday.The Russian company will increase its stake in Beltransgas to 50% by 2010, paying a total of $2.5 billion in four equal installments that correspond to 12.5% stakes under a deal with Belarus' State Property Committee signed in May 2007, increasing its hold over strategic oil and gas export routes. About one-quarter of Russian gas exports to Europe pass through Belarus.