17 May 2011 21:36

Yamal-LNG project could be alternative to South Stream - Russian energy minister

MOSCOW. May 17 (Interfax) - Russia is considering the possibility of using the Yamal-LNG project as an alternative way of supplying natural gas to Europe, as Turkey has still not given the go-ahead to building the South Stream gas pipeline across the Black Sea, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said at a news briefing in Moscow on Tuesday.

"We have still not received final permission for the construction, but, as a matter of fact, we are not going to sit twiddling our thumbs. As you know, we are working out options, such as alternative ways to ship gas to Europe, including through the Yamal-LNG project," Shmatko said.