GAZPROM TO PRODUCE 100 BN CU M OF GAS AT ZAPOLYARYE DEPOSIT

MOSCOW, October 2 (RIA Novosti) - "Putting the Zapolyarye deposit to design capacity is a regular, very important step on the way of development of Russia's gas industry. Now we will produce at the deposit 100 billion cubic meters of gas annually. This is approximately one-sixth of the total gas production in the country, and a third of gas deliveries to domestic consumers," said Gazprom Board Chairman Aleksei Miller in Yamburg at festivities dedicated to launching the Zapolyarye gas and condensate deposit and Yamburgneftegaz 20th anniversary.

"Achievement of this goal became possible thanks to high professionalism and concerted work of many groups: Gazprom and contracting agencies - from drilling, starting up and adjustment to operation," said Mr. Miller, whose words are cited in a press release of the Gazprom department for mass media.

The Zapolyarye deposit was opened in 1965, 220 km from Novy Urengoi (Yamalo-Nenets autonomous area). First gas at the deposit was produced on September 30, 2001. Now three complex gas preparation installations have been put to design capacity.

This year, over 88 billion cubic meters of gas will be produced at the deposit. From the start of operation until September 2004 inclusive, over 180 bn cu m was produced there.

Now 391 holes operate at the field. They provide for production of over 285 million cubic meters of gas per day.