"Principles of work in 2006, which we discussed with our Georgian colleagues, completely correspond to Gazprom's general export strategy," spokesman for Gazprom Sergei Kupriyanov said, commenting on the results of a routine meeting between Alexander Medvedev, the chairman of Gazprom's managing board, his deputy Alexander Ryazanov and Georgian Energy Minister Nikolai Gilauri.
"Gas prices are growing both in Russia and Europe, and the markets of the Commonwealth of Independent States are not an exception. This concerns Georgia and other countries with whom we are discussing prices and tariffs in 2006," the spokesman said.
On September 19, Georgia will submit a balance-sheet of its decade-long gas consumption, a schedule on debt repayment and proposals on Gazprom's participation in gas-energy investment projects in Georgia to Gazprom.
"The Russian party informed Gilauri that, starting in 2006, Gazprom will supply natural gas at market prices, which will meet European standards. Gas transit to Armenia via Georgia will be paid for by monetary means and the tariff on transportation through its territory must also be calculated in accordance with international norms," the gas holding's press service said.
Gazprom representatives also said Georgia must pay off its $12 million-plus debt, including the late payment penalty fee, for gas supplies by January 1, 2006.
Growing prices for Russian gas are not a surprise for David Ingorokva, the president of the Georgian International Gas Corporation, who said ahead of his visit to Moscow that Georgia would develop partnership with the Russian supplier.
