POSSIBILITY OF ARMRUSGASPROM BECOMING NAIRIT’S OWNER NOT EXCLUDED

YEREVAN, MARCH 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Last year the ArmRusgasprom company
made investments of about 6 bln drams (about 12.6 mln USD). The
director general of the company Karen Karapetian stated at the
March 11 press conference that the sum indicated was used to enlarge
the gas distribution network, to reconstruct and re-equip the gas
transortation system, to reduce losses, as well as to carry out
repairs of the gas depository in Abovian. According to him, the
investment program was fulfilled by 90%, whereas the program on gas
supply – by 335%. K. Karapetian noted that in 2001, gas supply to
11,480 consumers was restored, while in 2004 – to 83,045 consumers.
It was noted that in 2004, 1 bln 332 mln cubic meters of natural gas
was imported into Armenia, which exceeds by 18.2% the 2003 index. It
is envisaged to import 1.7 bln cubic meters of gas this year. In 2004,
the power system consumed 37.6 mln cubic meters of natural gas, or 7.6%
more than in 2003, while Nairit used 21 mln cubic meters (growth –
123.5%). K.Karapetian stated that ArmRusgasprom is currently examining
the possibility of becoming the owner of Nairit. According to him,
if ArmRusgasprom is found to be able to operate the plant, the
transaction will be concluded.