New contenders want to export gas from Russia by pipeline - minister

MOSCOW. Dec 15 (Interfax) - New contenders wanting to export natural gas from Russia by pipeline have emerged in addition to Rosneft , Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov told reporters on Tuesday.

Rosneft earlier asked to be allowed to export 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Europe as an experiment. At present, only Gazprom can export Russian natural gas by pipeline, while exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are gradually being liberalized.

"Things are still being worked out regarding Rosneft, this will be like an experiment," Shulginov said.

"There was another request [from another company], but first we need to learn with the experiment, prepare, formulate the requirements for agent contracts. After this, we can discuss the matter some time with other companies," Shulginov said.

"They need to be given access to pipelines. They have resources, while Gazprom has the transport," Shulginov said, commenting on possible changes in the agent agreement.