Gazprom Planning Service Rate Rises

The Joint Stock Company Gazprom is planning to increase rates for its services by 35% in 2002. The decision concerning this was confirmed at a meeting of the Russian government, which examined the investment programme in the gas field. The tariff increase is in response to Gazprom's need to clear its deficit, which stands at 92 million rubles, experts claim. The export price of Russian gas is now 92 dollars for a 1000 cubic metres, while it is sold in Russia at 12 dollars per 1000 cubic metres.