Russia’s Gazprom, Mongolia to explore gasification of Ulaanbaatar

Russian energy giant Gazprom and the Government of Mongolia have signed a memorandum of cooperation to explore the potential for gasifying the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. The agreement was formalised on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, which runs from September 3 to 6.

Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller and Mongolian Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar held a working meeting where they discussed the broader prospects for cooperation in the gas sector, Caliber.Az reports via TASS.

The two sides highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of using natural gas, noting its potential to improve the quality of life for residents and support the development of local industry.

The memorandum was signed by Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, Vitaly Markelov, and Mongolia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sainbuyangiin Amarsaikhan, in the presence of Miller and Zandanshatar. The agreement outlines a joint effort to study the feasibility of introducing natural gas infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar, a city currently struggling with air pollution and energy sustainability challenges.

This latest cooperation follows an earlier memorandum signed in August, which marked the beginning of closer ties between Gazprom and the Mongolian government in both the gas and oil sectors.

In a further development on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, Gazprom and the Government of Kazakhstan have signed an agreement to expand Russian gas deliveries to the Central Asian country over the next two years.

Miller and First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar formalised the deal, which outlines an increase in gas supplies to Kazakhstan in 2025 and 2026.

By Sabina Mammadli