Gazprom to turn to other companies if Botas cancels contract

Gazprom proposed a contract of 6 billion cubic meters of gas to Botas (Turkey), Alexander Medvedev, deputy CEO of Gazprom and head of Gazprom Export, told RIA Novosti.

Gazprom Export received a note from Botas on September 30. The note says that the company refuses prolongation of the contract on Russia providing 6 billion cubic meters of gas. The contract was signed in 1986 and expires on December 31, 2011. The companies were to inform each other on refusal to prolong the contract half a year ahead of the expiration date. Gazprom allowed Turkey to announce its decision on September 30.

Turkish Minister for Energy Taner Yildiz said that they still expect Russian proposals on the Southern Gas Corridor and that ties with Russia are not only based on gas deals and will not be ruined.