Gas pipeline network in Aleksandrovac put in operation - investment worth 4m EUR

Distribution gas pipeline network in Aleksandrovac, in which Yugorosgaz invested about 800,000 EUR, was put in operation yesterday (February 24, 2010).

By lighting the torch on the grounds of printing firm MM Press, the network was opened by the Russian Ambassador to Serbia, Aleksandar Konuzin, and Serbian Energy Minister Petar Škundrić.

Konuzin, who was also present at the ceremony of the commencement of construction of the gas pipeline network, said that that "not that big, but necessary project for the market of Serbia is another small stone in the huge building of cooperation between Serbia and Russia".

- Energy sector has always been and remained the main pillar of cooperation between Serbia and Russia, but that cooperation also takes place in other areas. We have reached big agreements in the energy sector, and their successful realization now brings benefits to the citizens of Serbia - said the Ambassador.

Petar Škundrić announced that the works would start in 2010 on further gasification process in this region, primarily in the area of Kopaonik, on the route towards Brus, Novi Pazar, Tutin, Raška and Leposavić.

- We plan to have about 2,000 km of gas pipeline network built on the territory of Serbia - said Škundrić.

The Executive Director of Yugorosgaz, Vladimir Koldin, said that that company would keep working of connecting Serbian cities to the gas network. He added that Yugorosgaz was present in the market of Serbia for more than 30 years, as well as that had stayed in the country in the difficult times, in the 1990's, when all other companies were leaving Serbia.

Nearly 4m EUR was invested in construction of the gas pipeline network in Aleksandrovac, over 3m EUR of which were provided from NIP.

So far, contracts for gas connections have been signed by about 500 users who are to pay 630 EUR in 12 monthly installments.