Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin called “robbery” the plans of the Lithuanian Government to divide the gas company “Lietuvos dujos”, where the Russian company “Gazprom” is among stakeholders. Prime Minister stated about this at the meeting with German business circles in Berlin, reported “Interfax”. Putin noted that “Gazprom” has legally acquired the share in the assets of the country”, and now it is being “eliminated”.

The Government of Lithuania has reviewed in June the draft law on the division of the national gas concern “Lietuvos dujos” into two enterprises (transportation and commercial companies) no later than before March 2012. Such possibility is provided by the adopted “third energy package” of the EU, aimed at the development of competitiveness on the energy markets.

Lithuania, as the largest user of the Russian fuel in the Baltic States, intends to construct a terminal for liquefied gas, which, according to the opinion of Vilnius, will allow the country to refuse fully from the expensive Russian gas. Alongside, it is stated in the Government of Lithuania, that there is no reason for constructing the terminal if the distribution and transportation of the gas are not separated, because the state is not managing the gas transportation arteries. Estonia is preparing analogous decision with regards to the gas company Eesti Gaas, 47% of which belongs to “Gazprom” and “Itere”. Similar processes are taking place in Poland, too.

At the meeting in Germany Putin has also urged the European Commission to consult with Russia on introducing new regulation rules on energy supply for avoiding misunderstandings. “Otherwise, we will be constantly facing absurd situations or conflicts arising sometimes in vain”, stressed the Russian Prime Minister.

Currently shareholders of the “Lietuvos dujos” are the German E.ON Ruhrgas (38.9 %), «Gazprom” (37.1 %) and the Government of Lithuania (17.7 %).

Material has been prepared by the Centre of Geopolitical Studies with reference to the article from «Lenta.ru» of 26 11 2010

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