Russia threatens Georgia gas supply
Gazprom said the price of gas will increase by 125% next year.
Published On 20 Dec 2006
Georgia, which now pays $110 per cubic metre, has accused Russia of using its energy resources as “political blackmail” and as a means of punishing the small, ex-Soviet republic for its efforts to join Nato and shake off the Kremlin’s influence.
Russia denies the accusations, saying the price is similar to what it charges other European consumers.
Relations between the two countries hit a new low recently when Georgia briefly detained four Russian military officers on spying charges in September.
Moscow retaliated with an economic and transport blockade and a crackdown on Georgian migrants.
In a related development, officials in Armenia, which borders Georgia to the south, said Georgian authorities have pledged to restore gas supplies by Thursday after an avalanche damaged a pipeline that transports Russian gas to Armenia.
Gazprom officials warned that the disruption, which occurred on Sunday, created dangerous gas import shortages for Armenia and suggested Georgia would be unable to repair the pipeline promptly.
Source: News Agencies