Referring to a report prepared by the industry and energy ministry, the Russian business daily Vedomosti said November 13 that Russia will experience a gas shortage for the first time next year while trying to cover its domestic needs and export commitments.
However, the Kremlin official, Arkady Dvorkovich, said: "No gas shortage is looming."
Dvorkovich said the Russian president will hold a meeting with Cabinet members next week to discuss Russia's fuel balance for electricity generation.
He said the need to hold the meeting was prompted by different approaches held by various departments on the energy issue.
"There is the problem of an optimal fuel balance, optimal fuel sources and an optimal structure of electricity production in the country, and the use of natural resources as a whole," Dvorkovich said.