Volkhov-Murmansk gas pipeline project once again responsibility of Russia's Gazprom - Murmansk governor

MURMANSK. Dec 17 (Interfax) - The project to construct the Volkhov-Murmansk gas pipeline has once again become the responsibility of Gazprom , Murmansk region Governor Andrei Chibis said in an interview with Interfax.

It was reported a year ago that Novatek would handle the pipeline's construction to Murmansk. However, there have been no updates on the project's progress in recent months.

"A decision was made to implement this project according to an accelerated schedule, but circumstances such as sanctions have imposed their adjustments. We have therefore returned to the original plan, where Gazprom will construct the gas pipeline within the timelines we previously discussed with Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller," Chibis said.

"It is important that construction work on the pipeline doesn't stop. We have a clear understanding of the route, and the gas supply scheme for the region is at an advanced stage, as is the gas infrastructure development program. I believe that we will formalize the updated gas infrastructure development plan with additional documentation in the first quarter of 2025," he said.

"Of course, the project is complex and costly, and the background is a challenging geopolitical situation and sanctions. We regularly coordinate with the Russian government and Gazprom because the project is significant and strategic. As we have said many times, this is not just about building a pipeline. It is about the full-scale development of gas infrastructure for cities, the heating facilities of both Gazprom Energoholding and Murmanskenergosbyt, and about connecting industrial consumers," he said.