Russia to launch program to subsidize construction of LNG filling stations, at least 180 expected by 2030

MOSCOW. March 31 (Interfax) - Russia plans to launch a program to subsidize construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) filling stations for automobiles this year, the Energy Ministry reported First Deputy Minister Pavel Sorokin as saying at a meeting of the State Council energy commission.

He said 700 million rubles have now been allocated for this purpose, but subsidies will increase in future.

"Thanks to this, at least 180 cryogenic filling stations will be built in the country by the end of the decade, which will make it possible to cover all the main routes travelled by large trucks," Sorokin said.

This will open up more opportunities to develop international shipping and create major transport corridors like the Europe-Western China highway, with large trucks becoming the main consumers of LNG as a motor fuel, he said.

Russia now has 17 small-scale LNG plants and LNG consumption in the country totals about 80,000 tonnes, but in future LNG consumption by trucks alone could total 4 million-5 million tonnes, Sorokin said.