Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 26 / Trend E. Ismayilov /
SOCAR provided 85,000 potential subscribers with gas within the three-year gas supply program in Georgia, a source in SOCAR Energy Georgia, which is SOCAR's subsidiary in Georgia.
In total, it is planned to cover 150,000 new potential subscribers before reconstruction and gasification within the program.
A source said that SOCAR actively operates to reconstruct gas distribution networks.
A source said that about 160,000 potential subscribers will be covered by late 2010.
On December 26, 2008 SOCAR and the Georgian government signed an agreement to transfer management of 30 gas-distributing companies and networks covering such regions of Georgia as Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Shida and Kvemo Kartli, Adjara, Guria, Imereti, Samegrelo. These networks are operated by 24 companies. In April, SOCAR Energy Georgia also dealt with gas distribution networks in Marneuli, where Azerbaijanis live compactly.
Initially, the minimal estimated amount of investment in this project amounted to $ 40 million. It was the minimum limit. But at this stage, the cost for the gasification given the rehabilitation of distribution networks could be estimated at $70-80 million. The amount of investments was $ 23 million within the first production year, and about $28 million within the second one.
Wissol company was the owner of gas distribution networks in Marneuli. It bought gas from SOCAR and sold it in the territory of Marneuli. SOCAR Energy Georgia will conduct all operations in this direction.