Pipeliners

RBC, 07.02.2005, Moscow 16:25:44. Gazprom is likely to take part in the construction of Iranian-Armenian gas pipeline. Gazprom's Deputy Chairman Alexander Ryazanov pointed out that should the Russian gas holding abstain from participating in the gas pipeline construction, this gas could enter into competition with that supplied by Gazprom via the Blue Stream pipeline. The Armenian government acts as the principal customer to the construction. The principal agreement was signed in Yerevan on May 13, 2004, indicating that the gas pipeline would become operational before January 1, 2007. Armenia will receive the annual volume of 1.1bn cubic meters of gas via the pipeline from Iran. Armrosgazprom, owned jointly by the Armenian government (45 percent), Gazprom (45 percent) and Itera (10 percent), is expected to take part in bidding for its construction and running.