Talking with…

“Oil and gas will play an increasingly important role in the Russian and world economy. The potential of natural resources in Russia is huge, that is why we believe the prospects of development of the oil and gas industry in Russia are very good.”

Questions include:

• What are the reasons behind the improved fortunes of the Russian oil and gas sector since 1998?



• Russia has an extensive domestic oil pipeline system, with links to nearly all of the former Soviet republics, but Russia’s ability to export its oil to markets beyond the borders of the former Soviet Union is limited. Why is this the case?



• As well as supplying gas, Russia has been negotiating with China to build an oil pipeline linking the two countries. What importance do you place on the two countries coming together - should Russia be looking to the Far East in order to progress?