Independent Gas Producers in Russia

This working paper examines the recent changes in the Russian gas sector. The development of the sector is described and the important companies – such as Gazprom, Itera, Novatek, Northgas and the main gas producing oil companies (Surgutneftegas, TNK, Yukos, Lukoil) – are profiled. Additionally, the article tries to determine if the rise of independent gas companies since the mid-1990s can be interpreted as a sign of reform and liberalisation of the Russian gas sector. It concludes that the lack of political will continues to thwart far-reaching gas sector reforms in Russia