SITUATION IN THE RUSSIAN GAS INDUSTRY IN 2022–2023

Abstract

The article examines the state of the Russian gas industry in the period from the beginning of sanctions (2022) to the end of 2023. The author assesses the period of adaptation to the new market conditions. It is the author’s opinion that the risks in the gas sector last year turned out to be more extensive than in the oil sector. The reduction in gas production is primarily due to the reduction in natural gas purchases by European consumers. Exports to non-CIS countries have decreased over the past two years. Over the past two years, there has been a decline in gas production levels, with the most noticeable drawdowns being seen at Gazprom. This is not only due to the decrease in exports, but also due to the increase in production by other companies (NOVATEK and Rosneft).

Russia currently supplies gas via pipelines to Europe, Turkey and the People’s Republic of China. In the European direction, supplies are made through the Ukrainian GTS and the Turkish Stream pipeline. Gas supplies to China have the greatest potential; during the period under review, they increased one and a half times. There is a planned increase in supplies through the Power of Siberia gas pipeline.

The author also describes the complicated dynamics in the domestic gas market. The program of social gasification, which continues to develop, is mentioned separately.

According to the author, the government will have to develop measures to support the industry in order to fulfill its social obligations and develop new projects that will ensure diversification of sales markets and substitution of partners from unfriendly jurisdictions in the coming years.