BP: European countries' gas pipeline imports ups in 2012
Azerbaijan, Baku, June 12 / Trend A.Badalova /
European countries imported 387.2 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas in 2012 by pipeline compared to 369.6 bcm in 2011, BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2013 said.
The highest level of import among the European countries in 2012 was observed in Germany - at 86.8 bcm compared to 84 bcm in 2011. In 2012 Italy imported 59.7 bcm compared to 60.8 bcm in 2011, United Kingdom imported 35.4 bcm compared to 28 bcm in 2011.
According to BP, European countries imported 130 billion cubic metres from Russia, 106.6 billion cubic metres - from Norway, 54.5 billion cubic metres - from Netherlands in 2012.
At present, the diversification of routes and gas sources is a strategic priority for the EU.
The Southern Gas Corridor is the most priority project for the EU, which will allow it to diversify energy supply routes and sources and, therefore, to increase energy security of the European countries. Gas, to be produced within the second phase of Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field development, is the main source for the projects within Southern Gas Corridor.
Currently the Shah Deniz consortium considers two options to transport its gas to Europe - Nabucco West and Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). The final decision on the pipeline route will be made at the end of June.
