Tomsk hosted today a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of Gazprom's Management Committee and Viktor Kress, Governor of the Tomsk Oblast.

The parties held preliminary consultations regarding Gazprom's participation, along with other field licensees in the region, in supplying associated petroleum gases to the regional gas processing facilities.

The meeting also addressed the social aspects of the cooperation. Viktor Kress expressed his gratitude to Gazprom for the construction of Siberia's largest indoor track and field facility in Tomsk. The official opening of the facility is scheduled for today.

Background:

Gazprom and the Tomsk Oblast Administration signed the Agreement of Cooperation in December 2004 and the Accord on Gasification – in September 2006.

Natural gas penetration in the Tomsk Oblast averages 7.4 per cent including 7.1 per cent in cities and towns, and 7.9 per cent in the rural area. The identical figures throughout Russia are 63.2, 67.5 and 45.5 per cent accordingly.

Between 2006 and 2009 Gazprom allocated RUB 1.3 billion to gasify the region. The funds were used for the construction of an inter-settlement gas pipeline from the Chazhemto automated gas distribution station to the town of Kolpashevo.

The track and field facility was built as part of the Gazprom to Children program. The facility is equipped with a 200-meter race track, laps for sprint and hurdle races, sectors for long jumps, high jumps and pole vaults, as well as a shot put sector. The facility is designed to host 100 athletes at a time.