An evaluation of alternative scenarios for the Gazprom monopoly of Russian gas exports

Marina Tsygankova

Energy Economics, 2012, vol. 34, issue 1, 153-161

Abstract: In June 2006, Russian federal law legalized the exclusive right of Gazprom to export natural gas to Europe, and thus thwarted efforts by the European Union to bring competition to the Russian gas industry. An understanding of the motivation of the Russian government to support this export monopoly is important if Europe wishes to reduce its dependence on Gazprom. The principal aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of this important question. Our analysis employs a theoretical model and several numerical simulations of an alternative organization used for gas exports, where independent gas producers in Russia are permitted to export gas to Europe. We evaluate the effects of this alternative organization on consumer surplus, industry profits, and Russian welfare. The results demonstrate that while export by independent producers reduces Gazprom's export profits, it may also increase the total domestic and export profits earned by the Russian gas industry. However, the results also suggest that Russian gas consumers will not benefit if independent gas producers are able to supply both the domestic and international markets.

Keywords: Russia; Natural gas; Exports; Monopoly; National welfare (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D43 D60 L13 Q38 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:34:y:2012:i:1:p:153-161

DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2011.04.009

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