Energy Minister Speaks of Gas Industry Development Plan

Georgian Energy Minister Nika Gilauri said that a long-term plan, envisaging a broad range of aspects relating to the country?s gas supply, transportation and security has been developed by the Energy Ministry in cooperation with the Georgian Gas International Corporation.

?This plan will be discussed at the governmental session tomorrow [January 12]. The plan outlines the country?s needs in regard of gas supply for the next 15-20 years? and, along with other issues, envisages a diversification of the gas supply to Georgia [which currently depends entirely on gas imported from Russia],? Energy Minister Nika Gilauri said at a news briefing on January 11.

Nika Gilauri also spoke about reports which have recently emerged in the media regarding the Georgian government?s intentions to sell shares of the Georgian Gas International Corporation.

?The government has not made an ultimate decision to sell the Corporation. We have prepared several proposals, which may be carried out in order to increase the Corporation?s efficiency,? Gilauri said.

He said that one of the proposals envisages selling of shares of the Georgian International Gas Corporation.

?But there are other suggestions as well, including searching for financial assistance from donor countries and organizations; financial support from the state; handing over management of the Corporation to a foreign company,? Nika Gilauri added.

The state-run Georgian Gas International Corporation was established as a joint Stock Company in 1997 with the purpose of organizing the transportation of natural and liquid gas through the territory of Georgia.