Russian expert: Russia to back supply of Azerbaijani gas to Iran

“Why it not to be long-term? As the prices suit both sides, Azerbaijan will be able to implement gas production plans in new fields and diversification is only positive. Russia will surely back gas supply to Iran, but not to Europe via Russia’s alternative gas pipelines,” said Igor Tomberg, head of the Russian Academy of Sciences Oriental Studies Institute Center for Energy and Transport Studies.

“I do not rule out joint supplies through the South Stream and Blue Stream-2 with Russia in future. The transit issue is very important. Gazprom will either transit supplies or will be second-hand dealer as in case with Turkey,” the expert said.

Tomberg believes that increase in Azerbaijan’s gas supplies may impede implementation of the Nabucco project.

"Depending on Azerbaijan’s export potential, in two to three years increased number of non-European importers of Azerbaijani gas may hinder construction of Nabucco. It seems that so large number of gas pipelines in the direction of southern Europe is not necessary. One can expect that next year there will be talks about a symbiosis of the South Stream, Nabucco, Blue Stream, and possibly other projects in a new joint project, more cost-effective and resource-backed,” the professor added.

T. Teymur
Day.Az