RF, China have good chances to finalize gas deal before yearend

20/6 Tass 205

MOSCOW, June 20 (Itar-Tass) - Russia and China "have very good
chances" to agree on gas prices for export supplies that are scheduled for
2015 until the end of the year, Gazprom Export director-general Alexander
Medvedev told a news conference on Monday.
In reply to the question when the next round of talks will begin he
said "I think we will hold a meeting of shareholders (scheduled for June
30) and then light-heartedly will launch the next round."
He made it clear that Russia had no plans to make considerable
concessions to China.
"Honestly speaking I see no reasons why our gas should be less
costly," the Gazprom deputy chief executive said reiterating that the
Russian gas giant adheres to the principle of equal revenues from gas
exports to China and Europe.
In his comments on an opportunity to buy gas from other supplier
announced by China, Medvedev said "it makes no difference to us." "This
will allow the Chinese side to make a good cocktail from its own gas, the
gas it gets under other contracts and our gas," he said.
According to earlier reports, Russia and China should have signed the
contract within the framework of the St. Petersburg international economic
forum. However, on Thursday evening the talks between Chinese President Hu
Jintao and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin were not crowned with
success.
China National Petroleum Corporation seeks to get a discount,
especially for gas from Eastern Siberia, that as it insists will go to
waste, if not pumped to the Chinese market.