Energy, EU – Baltic States, Gas, Latvia, Lithuania

Kubilius says that Lithuania wants to build its own terminal as soon as possible in order to create real opportunities to talk with Gazprom about a price reduction.

"Our goal is to have the possibility to import liquefied gas through an alternative pipe in the LNG terminal in 2014. When we started the reform which is required by the European Union in our gas sector, we received the reaction of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom. It increased the gas price only because we had introduced the reform. We do not have any real chances to negotiate with Gazprom over the reduction of prices while we are in a current situation of the dominant monopoly supply. Therefore the alternative of gas supply is required as soon as possible for us to actually achieve lower prices", said the prime minister.

Dombrovskis said in Brussels, Friday that the rush of Lithuania to carry out the LNG project undermines the prospects of a regional LNG terminal. According to Latvian prime minister, the actions of Lithuania reduce the potential to attract the support of the EU funds for the terminal. It would be better if Lithuania waited for the finding results of the EC.