Gas shortages in Chechnya attributed to lack of fundsTimur Aliyev, North Caucasus – Gas shortages in Chechnya occur primarily due to a lack of funds vitally needed for maintenance and repairs of the gas transmission and distribution systems, said Arbi Umarov, deputy CEO of the local gas company Chechengaz.
According to him, 200 million roubles that Russia allocated last year for the repair of the gas systems never arrived in Chechnya. "In 2002 we asked for one billion roubles, but only 210 million were approved; and since then all we’ve received is 105 million.
The money we got during 2000-2002 was clearly not enough because during the past 12-15 years maintenance of the gas transmission and distribution systems had virtually not been carried out.”
Umarov believes that another cause for the fuel shortages is that Chechens illegally use the gas. "Huge quantities are being burnt in mini-refineries.”
Up until now private gas usage has been free for the citizens of the republic. But as of April 1 a ruling has been introduced whereby everyone will now have to pay for their gas consumption. A ruling that Umarov considers to be very necessary.
(S/E,T) |