Azernews.Az

By Jamila Babayeva

The number of new (potential) consumers within Georgian regions' gasification program implemented by Azerbaijan's state energy giant SOCAR will reach 250,000, a source told Trend Agency.

According to the agreement signed by Georgian government, SOCAR Georgia Gas (SOCAR Energy Georgia subsidiary company) should gasify at least new 150 potential consumers and invest in the country's gas supply process at least $40 million, the source said.

However, the made investments considerably exceed the mentioned amount, the source said. In particular, it has become one of the reasons for the extension of the gas supply program.

In the near future SOCAR and the Georgian government will sign agreement according to which the quantity of consumers covered by the program will reach 250,000, the source said.

"New document preparations are underway and soon expected to be signed," the source said.

Despite the fact that 150,000 consumers must be supplied with gas, according to the contract, as of now their number is about 190,000, the source added.

SOCAR and the Georgian government signed an agreement to transfer control of 30 gas distribution facilities and gas distribution networks covering such regions of Georgia as Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Shida and Kvemo Kartli, Adjara, Guria, Imereti, Samegrelo on December 26, 2008.

The list of gas distribution facilities was then increased. Earlier, all these facilities were eliminated and seven regional gas facilities were created under the management SOCAR.