South Stream to commence gas exports in Q1 2016

Gazprom intends to commence natural gas exports via the offshore section of the South Stream pipeline in January-March 2016, RosBusiness Consalting reports citing the gas monopoly magazine.

The pipeline, which will link Russia with Central and Southern Europe bypassing transit countries, is scheduled for commissioning at the end of 2015. Earlier, the gas exporter had planned to start commercial supplies via South Stream in December 2015. At present, Gazprom is working on the final decisions on investments in the onshore and offshore sections, which should be approved by all participants of the project before the end of 2012. Gazprom expects to hold tenders for suppliers by November 2012 and commence construction in December 2012.