According to Mr Ryazanov, Gazprom proposes using market techniques in pricing gas supplied to industrial consumers while preserving regulated prices for the housing & utilities sector, individuals, and institutional customers in the public-sector.
The possibility of introducing market prices for industrial consumers starting next year has been discussed with officials from appropriate government agencies, Mr Ryazanov reported. But no detailed negotiations have been held just yet, he added.
Speaking of the reevaluation of Gazprom's major assets, he said it had been approved by the top management. He predicted that as a result of this measure, gas sales on the domestic market would become loss making again. Depreciation spending, which is a major part of the company's investment program, will next year amount to some 190 billion rubles (the U.S. dollar currently buys 27.58 rubles), said Mr Ryazanov. Gazprom's investment program is built on profits and its profits will shrink as a result of major asset reevaluation. Yet, this is a step in the right direction, the official believes.
