SAKHALIN GAS TO COME TO PRIMORYE

KHABAROVSK, JUNE 10 (RIA Novosti) - Victor Ishaev, governor of the Khabarovsk region (the Maritime Territory), and Steve Terni, president of the Exxon Neftegas Limited, have inked in Khabarovsk the protocol of intent for the delivery of natural gas to the region under the Sakhalin-1 project, RIA Novosti quotes the press service of regional administration.

It is the first paper sealing the sale of Sakhalin gas to Russian consumers, Steve Terni told the briefing. At the first stage, gas will come to the Khabarovsk region and then, after the required infrastructure has been unfolded, to other parts of the Russian Far East.

Supplies of natural gas will begin next summer. By 2009 the scope of delivery will stand at three billion cubic metres annually.

Ishaev noted that the arrival of Sakhalin gas will improve energy stability in not only his but also the entire Far Eastern region, make electricity and heat cheaper for consumers.

Now, the gas pipeline project, originating from the coast of the Tatar Strait, is going 150 kilometres into the Khabarovsk region. In 2006 it will reach the city of Khabarovsk. By that time, two of the city's heat and power stations will be adapted to use gas as fuel.