Rumors circulating that Norwegian pipeline likely not to be constructed

Although both Poland and Norway have yet to confirm speculative reports concerning the issue, it seems that hopes of signing a natural gas supply agreement between the two countries are all but lost, according to Gazeta Wyborcza. Unofficial sources say that because Poland is unable to guarantee Norway that its yearly demand for natural gas will reach five billion cubic meters, the Norwegians will not be able to embark on construction of a $1.5 billion natural gas pipeline connecting the two countries and will almost certainly withdraw from negotiations. Insiders are now saying that the only chance for Poland to diversify its natural gas supplies would be contingent on an agreement signed on Saturday between Danish-based Dong, Norwegian Statoil and Polish Oil and Gas (PGNiG) for the construction of a pipeline and subsequent import of natural gas from Denmark. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p.17) M.K.