Russian govt refuses to transfer main gas pipeline transport tariffs to input-output model
MOSCOW. Dec 4 (Interfax) - The Russian government has refused to transfer the determination of fees for main gas pipeline transportation to an input-output model.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed order N 3437-r on November 30, which excluded the corresponding clause (22) from the roadmap for developing organized (exchange) trading in individual commodity markets for 2023-2025. The document was published on the Official Internet Portal of Legal Information.
The clause provided for "introducing changes to the current tariff methodology for gas transportation services through main gas pipelines with a transition to the "entry fee - exit fee" tariff model or a transition to fixed rates for use."
The initiative was aimed at equalizing tariffs for gas transportation under exchange and over-the-counter agreements (on similar routes); increasing the gas exchange trading liquidity by concentrating supply and demand on a "virtual hub;" ensuring standardization of gas transportation conditions for independent producers, intermediaries, end consumers and the owner of the gas transmission system, including its exchange and over-the-counter segments; and the possibility of introducing a capacity-based market.
Responsibility for the execution of the order was given to the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) with the participation of Gazprom and the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX). The deadline to implement the item and adopt a departmental act was set for Q2 2023.
According to ConsultantPlus, FAS sent a draft order with a new tariff-setting methodology to the Ministry of Justice for registration three times. To date, the document has not been registered, and was returned twice without registration.
Tariffs for transporting gas from independent producers through Gazprom gas pipelines have remained unchanged since 2015. Independent producers, who believe that the tariff should be frozen or even reduced, started a discussion about the methodology for setting tariffs, the result of which is the tariff remaining unchanged.