Norwegian gas supply contract in question, government remains silent

The contract for gas supplies from Norway to Poland is under threat, and therefore the plan to diversify national supplies of gas could also fail. Representatives from Statoil, the Norwegian concern who signed the contract with Polish Oil and Gas (PGNiG) say they are worried about the attitude of the Polish authorities. The contract, under which gas would be bought directly from Norway for 16 years starting from 2008, was strongly criticized by the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) during their electoral campaign. Party representatives argue that less gas is in fact needed and that diversification of supplies can be secured at a lower cost. "Resigning from Norwegian supplies would be a very bad and harmful move," said former Economy Minister Janusz Steinhoff. Both PGNiG and the government spokesman declined to comment on the issue. (Gazeta wyborcza, p. 15) A.D.