PGNiG-VNG appear to shelve pipeline plans

However, the Germans are reluctant to build the new gas pipeline connecting the Polish and German gas systems. "We are analyzing whether our cooperation will require the construction of such a connection. Perhaps the present system will prove to be enough," declared Klaus Ewald Holst, the president of VNG. The Germans declared that this year they will concentrate on the modernization of existing pipelines, although some time ago the company together with PGNiG stated that the new pipeline will be ready by the end of 2006. Now Wolfgang Eschment, the VNG deputy president, stated that construction will begin if calculations show that it will be justified in terms of economics. According to unofficial information, the companies did not even choose the route of the pipeline yet. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B5; Puls Biznesu, p. 11) E.B.