Support The Moscow Times!

Korea Gas May Build Pipeline to Russia

Korea Gas, the world's biggest buyer of liquefied natural gas, may build an undersea pipeline to import the fuel from Russia if a plan to lay an overland link via North Korea falls through, CEO Choo Kang-soo said.

The utility discussed the possibility last week with Gazprom, Choo was quoted by his spokesman Lee Sang Wook as saying Wednesday.

Korea Gas signed an accord with Gazprom in September to import 7.5 million tons of gas. The attempt to get the North's consent to build a pipeline in its territory comes as ties between the two countries grow chilly after South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who took office in February, vowed to take a tougher line on its neighbor than his predecessors.

A pipeline via North Korea is expected to be more economical although an undersea link from Vladivostok to Samcheok on South Korea's eastern coast is a possible route, Lee quoted Choo as telling reporters in Seoul.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more