LNG Liberalization Creates Challenges For Moscow

摘要

As it looks to liberalize Russia's LNG exports from the monopoly control of state Gazprom, Moscow is being forced into a tricky balancing act, trying to create room for a mix of state and private actors while also looking to avoid direct competition between Russian companies in export markets. The first practical implication of this approach could be to try and steer would-be LNG exporters Rosneft and Novatek towards Asia in order to protect Gazprom's pipeline sales into Europe. According to deputy prime minister in charge of the energy sector, Arkady Dvorkovich, new LNG exporters will be required to first sign preliminary sales and purchase agreements and then submit them for government approval. But in line with the desire of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin is only expected to endorse contracts with Asian buyers, barring newcomers Irom selling to the West, says Ivan Grachev, chairman of the energy committee in the state Duma, the lower house of parliament (PIW May27' 13).