SOCAR Georgia Gas starts up new pipeline in Georgia's Marneuli District
BAKU. Oct 3 (Interfax) - SOCAR Georgia Gas, a subsidiary of State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR), has brought a gas pipeline into operation at the village of Kiemo-Sarali in Georgia's Marneuli District, SOCAR said on its official website.
"SOCAR president Rovnag Abdullayev took part in the ceremony for the gas pipeline's commissioning as part of his visit to Georgia. The gas pipeline runs 11.7 kilometers. This pipeline will allow for 380 potential customers to be connected to the gas network," the company said in a statement.
So far, gas pipelines covering 185 kilometers in distance have been built in the Marneuli District, connecting 5,367 customers to the gas supply chain.
"Work is now underway for the gasification of the villages of Gachagan, Sabirkend, Didi Muganlo and Lezhbadin in the Marneuli District. Total gas pipelines to be laid here will cover 105 kilometers, allowing 2,465 customers to be connected to the gas system," the statement said.
The company said that SOCAR Georgia Gas has set up 1,281 kilometers in new gas pipelines in 2009-2011, ensuring gas supply to 74,398 customers
According to its investment program, SOCAR Georgia gas plans to build 2,792 kilometers in gas pipeline capacity in Georgia, which will ensure gas supply to 150,420 customers.
SOCAR and the Georgian government signed an agreement on December 26, 2008 for transferring the management of 23 regional gas distribution companies to SOCAR Georgia Gas along with several gas facilities and the distribution network. According to the contract, the company is bound to boost total gas users from 55,000 to 150,000 over a three-year period, as well as invest $40 million into restoring and developing Georgia's gas infrastructure.
Azerbaijan is now a main supplier of natural gas to Georgia.