Norway looks for gas guarantees

By : Bogda Zukowska

   Norway wants Poland to sign a long-term contract guaranteeing payments for natural gas, Norwegian Energy Minister Olav Akselsen said last week.

   "A guarantee on a take-or-pay obligation by the buyer is of major importance," he said at the "Gas for Europe" conference in Warsaw.

   Akselsen said negotiations with the Polish government are now at a critical stage. "Major issues are still pending," he added. Poland has been negotiating with Norway to buy up to 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year.