GAS PIPELINE PROVIDING SUPPLYING GAS TO ARMENIA NEEDS MAJOR REPAIRS

PanARMENIAN.Net - As Georgia does not have the necessary funds, it cannot repair the gas pipeline, via which Russian gas is being supplied to Armenia, Director General of the Georgian Gas Transportation Company Yuri Shiukashvili told ITAR-TASS news agency. In his words, the technical state of the gas pipeline, built in the middle of the 60-s of the past century, is extremely unsatisfactory. Although, the gas pipeline suits for exploitation, it needs major repairs, Shiukashvili said. "The main part of the 250-kilometer gas pipeline passes through mountainous area of tectonic activity and high corrosion, which is also difficult of access. This complicates repair works," he noted. In his words, depending on the volume of the order and the year season 3 to 7 million cubic meters of Russian gas is being transported to Armenia through Georgia. Shiukashvili noted, "the funds available let only preserve the current state of the gas pipeline and provide for its exploitation, however big financial investments and contemporary building equipment are necessary for thorough repairs, and Georgia does not have them."