Gazprom Plans Pipeline to Japan

Russia's Gazprom says it is considering the construction of a gas pipeline to Japan, following a meeting at Gazprom Export's headquarters yesterday.

The meeting, which took place between Deputy Chairman of Gazprom's Management Committee Alexander Medvedev and delegates from Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan, centred on a number of areas of cooperation, including a pipeline and LNG. Seiji Maehara, Member of the House of Representatives, represented the Japanese party.

Japan, which has turned to alternatives to nuclear energy following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, relies heavily on LNG imports. These imports currently account for almost 100 per cent of the country's gas consumption.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the possibility of increasing LNG supply from Gazprom to Russia, especially in light of two LNG projects currently under construction, the expansion of the Sakhalin LNG plant and and another in Vladivostok.

In addition, a statement from Gazprom says the two parties are currently considering the construction of a pipeline, which would allow Gazprom to directly export Russian gas supply to Japan.

"Our activities hinge on the principle that the projects we deliver jointly with foreign partners should be mutually beneficial," Mr. Medvedev said.