State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) will double gas supply to Russia, making it 1bn cubic meters a year, SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev said December 26.

“The negotiations were held and Azerbaijan has possibilities to increase gas supply. We intend to supply 1bn cubic meters of gas to Russia in 2010,” said Abdullayev.

According to him, gas supply to Russia starts January 1, 2010 as contract stipulates. First it was planned that SOCAR had to supply 500mn cubic meters, but the decision on increase was made.

Abdullayev underlined that Baku-Mozdok sector is fully ready for the supplies.

A.G.