Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in meeting on development of gas-engine fuel market in Nizhny Novgorod

On February 15, during his working visit to Nizhny Novgorod Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov took part in a meeting on the development of the gas-engine fuel market in Russia.

Russian Presidential Envoy in Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich and Board Chairman of Gazprom PJSC Alexey Miller took part in the event.

Speaking at the meeting, Babich noted that regions of the Volga Federal District are one of the most active participants in the implementation of the task set by the President of the Russian Federation in 2013 to increase the use of gas as a motor fuel. He said that 12 regions have already signed agreements with the Gazprom Gas-Engine Fuel and 13 regions have established relevant regional programmes. Moreover, a variety of measures of state support for companies that are using gas-engine equipment and developing gas fueling infrastructure are being taken.

Babich continued that serious support is provided at the federal level. Thus, within the framework of the state subsidy programme for the purchase of buses and equipment for housing and utilities in 2014-2015 Volga regions were allocated funds amounting to 3.2 billion roubles to buy 1570 vehicles. According to Babich, this amount is more than half of all federal subsidies. 

In his speech Miller said that the industry has good prospects for the development due to efficiency, environmental friendliness and safety of compressed natural gas.

The meeting also discussed the measures of state support for the production of gas-engine equipment and stimulation of demand and offer for it.