Gazprom’s headquarters hosted today a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Company’s Management Committee and Alexey Gordeev, Governor of the Voronezh Oblast.

The parties addressed the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement between Gazprom and the Voronezh Oblast Administration.

Alexey Miller and Alexey Gordeev appreciated the work done within the Russian Regions Gasification Program, pointing out that due to the Program’s success Voronezh Oblast gasification level had increased almost 12 per cent between 2005 and 2009 reaching 75.8 per cent as of January 1, 2010. The identical average figure throughout Russia accounts for 63.2 per cent.

The Voronezh Oblast fulfilled its obligations with regard to the preparation of consumers for gas deliveries ahead of the synchronization schedule. The payment discipline in the region is also at one of the highest levels – the amount of advance payments exceeds RUB 147 million.

On the back of it, Gazprom will ensure pre-schedule commissioning of inter-settlement gas pipelines currently under construction and will invest extra funds for the gasification of the region.

The parties dwelled on the progress of the Gazprom to Children Program in the Voronezh Oblast. Taking account of this year, total investments under the Program will surpass RUB 150 million.

The meeting also considered Gazprom’s participation in restoring settlements ravaged by forest fires. By now, the Company has fully reconstructed all damaged gas distribution grids.

Background:

The open-ended Agreement of Cooperation was signed between Gazprom and the Voronezh Oblast Administration in October 2003; the Gasification Accord – in February 2002.

Between 2002 and 2009 Gazprom invested RUB 3.6 billion in gasification of the Oblast and RUB 185 million (excluding additional funds) will be channeled for this purpose in 2010.

The Gazprom to Children Program has been implemented in the Voronezh Oblast since 2007. From 2007 through 2009 seven sports and hockey grounds were built, a number of sports facilities were reconstructed and funds were allocated for developing children’s sports, music, artistic and pictorial skills.

In 2010 Gazprom will complete the construction of 24 multifunctional sports-grounds in rural areas of the region.