A working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee and Oleg Betin, Head of the Tambov Oblast Administration took place today at the Company’s headquarters.

Consideration was given to implementing the Agreement of Cooperation signed by Gazprom and the Oblast Administration.

In particular, the parties addressed the regional gasification issues. It was noted that the joint efforts raised the gasification level in the Tambov Oblast by 20.1 per cent up to 70.3 per cent over 2001 through 2009.

Background:

The Agreement of Cooperation was signed for an indefinite period by Gazprom and the Tambov Oblast Administration in April 2004, the Accord on Gasification – in April 2003.

Natural gas penetration in the Tambov Oblast amounts to 70.3 per cent including 90.3 per cent in cities and towns and 46.8 per cent in the rural area. The identical figures throughout Russia average 63.2, 67.5 and 45.5 per cent respectively.

Between 2001 and 2009 Gazprom allocated over RUB 1.6 billion to develop gasification in the Tambov Oblast.

In 2010 Gazprom invested RUB 350 million in the regional gasification development. The funds were used to start the construction of five inter-settlement gas pipelines. The work is progressing according to schedule.