Azernews.Az

LITHUANIA – Lithuania will buy gas from an American company Cheniere Energy at prices a third lower than the Russian ones. This was reported by Energy Minister of Lithuania Arvydas Sekmokas.

According Sekmokas, Lithuania Klaipedos Nafta signed with the U.S. of intent to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG).

As pointed out by Interfax, the Americans will be liquefied shale gas at its terminals in the U.S. and Lithuania to deliver liquefied natural gas terminal in Klaipeda. Construction of the terminal to begin in 2011 and three years later he would be able to take about 2-2,9 billion cubic meters of fuel, which is almost completely satisfy the needs of Lithuania. The country now consumes about three billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Sekmokas noted that Lithuania is looking for other sources of supply.

The price of Russian gas supplies to Europe was not disclosed, but according to various estimates, it can make an average of 350-370 dollars per thousand cubic meters. The cost of gas in the U.S. market is about $ 150 for the same volume. According to the estimates of analysts bank UBS, along with the price of transportation (90-110 dollars per thousand cubic meters), the American Gas will still cost cheaper than the Russian Lithuania.

The Government of Lithuania worried about finding new suppliers of gas, after the Russian concern Gazprom refused to give the country a discount of 15 percent. As explained the situation to the deputy chairman of Gazprom, Valery Golubev, Latvia and Estonia have received such a discount, promising to withdraw to pre-crisis level of gas consumption, the grounds also offer a discount Lithuania, the company has not found.

Meanwhile, Lithuania and Gazprom over the last few months arguing about the fate of the gas distribution company Lietuvos dujos, which imports and transportation of natural gas in Lithuania. 37.06 per cent stake owned by Gazprom, while the Lithuanian government - 17.7 percent stake. In Lithuania would like to share Lietuvos dujos into two parts so that it could meet the specifications spelled out in the third energopakete EU. Gazprom acts as against the attempt, and against all energopaketa.