The Russian government has agreed to raise the mineral extraction tax on gas by 61 percent from January 1. The proposed increase has yet to be voted on in the Duma, but Shatalov said on Monday it should have no problem winning approval.
Shatalov added that only gas produced by Russia's largest independent gas producer, Novatek, for its large LNG project is being considered for an exemption from the mineral extraction tax.
"Right now its the only one," said Shatalov.
