“We are not planning to export gas, but we are considering direct import. We are not ruling out Russia, but we are looking at Western Europe and the other developing markets, such as those in the Caspian Sea region,” Chiselita said during a seminar on natural gas issues.
Romgaz currently has import contracts with Russian Gazprom, through intermediaries, namely WIEE and Imex Oil. The agreements with the two companies expire at the end of 2012. Until last year, Romania only imported gas through these two companies, who sell Gazprom gas.
In 2010, a gas pipeline was launched at Romania’s border with Hungary. Through this pipe, Romania imports natural gas from Western Europe, but in low volumes.
Asked whether Romgaz would extend the contracts with gas importers, Chiselita said a decision is pending.