Gazprom to discuss Moldovan gas debt

On March 4, a delegation of Russian gas holding Gazprom will visit Moldova, the Russian-Moldovan joint venture Moldova-Gaz reported to RBC today. In Chisinau, the delegation of the Russian gas giant, headed by Gazprom's Deputy CEO Alexander Ryazanov, will meet with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin, Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev and the top management of Moldova-Gaz. Gazprom is the owner of this company's control stake, which is 50 percent plus one share.

As Secretary of Moldova-Gaz's Executive Board Voldemar Kiisvik told RBC today, it is planned to focus on Moldavia's repaying its debts for the consumed Russian gas, and the reduction of gas purchasing price. The current gas tariff is $68 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas, while gas is bought at $80 per 1,000 cubic meters. According to Kiisvik, Moldova's current debt for the consumed gas, Transdniester not taken into account, amounted to $119m as of February 1, 2003. Transdniester's debt is about $400m. This January, Moldova paid for 40 percent of consumed natural gas, Transdniester not taken into account.

© &to=http://www.rbc.com' target=_blank>RBC