Energy Ministry to introduce concept of reforming gas industry

The Russian Energy Ministry is going to introduce a concept of reformingthe gas industry to the government by the end of 2002, Russian EnergyMinister Igor Yusufov reported at a briefing after today's governmentmeeting, where they had discussed preparation for the fall-winter season.According to him, in the near future, the Ministry is to elaborate oncorresponding documents. After this, a mechanism of creating the gasexchange "will be launched". Yusufov stressed that "sensitive issues" wouldbe settled. They are gas payments by ministries and other authorities andprivate individuals. A number of protective measures are provided in thisregard. Additionally, according to the Minister, one does not expect aprice jump in connection with this reform..