Statoil likely to use proposed German gas pipeline

Bartimpex is drawing closer to becoming a partner with German-based Ruhrgas to construct a gas pipeline from Bernau in Germany to Szczecin. The pipeline would supply 2 billion cubic meters of gas a year, while its annual capacity would be 7 billion cubic meters. The Norwegian oil concern Statoil, has confirmed interest in transporting gas from Norway to Poland through the proposed pipeline. Statoil is conducting talks with Polish Oil and Gas (PGNiG) on renegotiating a contract concluded in September 2001 on supplying 74 billion cubic meters of gas between 2008-2024. "PGNiG and Statoil have agreed to work together to find a way to transport smaller quantities of gas. But this will not form an obstacle to the Norwegian contract," said PGNiG press officer Malgorzata Polkowska. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) M.T.