Russia and Turkmenistan fail to reach new gas deal

Russian and Turkmen leaders failed yesterday to set a timeframe for the return of Turkmen gas flows to Russia, halted since April after a pipeline blast that left the nation short of revenues.

The meeting between Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev and Turkmen leader Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov had been expected to generate a breakthrough and mend ties. Relations were hit after Turkmenistan accused Russia of suspending gas imports because Russia’s gas export monopoly Gazprom faced reduced demand in Europe.

Yesterday, Kremlin foreign policy aide Sergei Prikhodko told reporters Russian and Turkmen gas companies would meet soon to finalise the timeframe and pricing.

“Most technical issues, related to the usage of pipelines, have been solved. In the next weeks, Gazprom will contact Turkmen authorities to agree on the parameters to continue co-operation,” he said.

When asked whether the date of supply resumption has been discussed, Prikhodko said: “No such task has been set [ahead of talks]“.

Emirates Business 24/7