Alexander Ananenkov, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee has moderated in Tomsk a meeting with heads of Gazprom core business units, general directors of the Company’s subsidiaries and Gazprom Group entities. The meeting was dedicated to the readiness of the Unified Gas Supply System (UGSS) facilities to be operated during autumn-winter period over 2007 to 2008.

In his opening address Alexander Ananenkov mentioned that the UGSS was generally prepared for the upcoming autumn-winter period.

Underground gas storage (UGS) facilities saw the replenishment of the gas volume withdrawn last year and the buildup of commercial gas reserves to 63.5 bcm, 500 mcm up on the same period in 2006.

The potential average daily UGS withdrawal capacity increased 4.4 mcm during the December-February period to 492.4 mcm of gas. By the withdrawal startup the peak potential daily sendout will amount to 608 mcm, 8 mcm more than last year.

In accordance with the schedule, 16 comprehensive prevented maintenance actions at UGSS facilities were completed. The main gas pipeline overhaul is nearing completion.

The plans to prepare gas infrastructure of the gas distribution companies and Gazpromregiongaz have been prepared for the autumn-winter period. 

The Company’s relevant business units were tasked to complete the preparation of the UGSS facilities.

“Gazprom will provide safe and secure operation of the UGSS in the upcoming autumn-winter period,” stated Alexander Ananenkov.