Baltic States – CIS, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Gas, Legislation, Lithuania

"I really hope that, maybe not at once, but especially when after two or three year shale gas from the US reaches Europe, we will be very happy that Lithuania was the first to build an LNG terminal in the Baltic countries and region. Since in two and three years, the revolution of cheaper gas from shale fields will reach Europe as well," said Grybauskaite in an interview with radio LRT.

The leader of the country regards the LNG terminal as being of the same importance as Butinge Oil Terminal and is convinced that this project will have much influence in negotiation with all potential gas suppliers to Lithuania.

"The project itself helps reducing prices for heating; it makes impact on negotiations with Gazprom as well. There is no wonder that as the project is about to be completed, Gazprom began speaking to us in a different way," said Grybauskaite.

The project of LNG terminal is implemented by Lithuania-based company Klaipedos Nafta.

At present Lithuania purchases gas from the only supplier Gazprom.