Russian govt submits bill on exporting LNG from Arctic to State Duma

MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - The Russian government at a meeting on Thursday approved a bill that removes restrictions on the export of LNG from the Arctic regions of the country.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on March 9 signed an order to submit the corresponding bill to the State Duma. The document is posted on the official internet portal of legal information.

This specifically concerns amendments to articles 2 and 3 of the federal law "On Gas Exports".

"It is envisaged to grant the exclusive right to export LNG to users of subsoil plots on land, wholly or partially located north of 67 degrees north latitude, in terms of natural gas in a liquefied state, produced from natural gas and/or petroleum/associated gas produced at specified subsoil areas, as well as the use of LNG in the bunkering of sea and river vessels transporting goods for export," the government's press service said in a statement.

Meantime, the right to export LNG is granted only to subsoil users whose share of the Russian Federation in the charter capital of which directly or indirectly exceeds 50% of the total number of votes.