Gazprom Eyes Greek, Bulgarian and Moldovan Energy Units

Russian gas giant Gazprom is looking to acquire electricity assets in Greece, Bulgaria and Moldova, Russian business daily Vedomosti reported yesterday, citing a senior official at Gazprom subsidiary Gazpromenergo.

Gazprom is looking to acquire electricity assets in Bulgaria and Greece through local joint ventures Overgas and Prometheus Gas respectively, said Yury Lukanin, head of foreign projects at Gazpromenergo, Gazprom's electricity subsidiary, Vedomosti reported.

Gazprom's interest in these countries has grown due to the South-European gas pipeline project, which will cross both countries, Lukanin said. Moldova has offered Gazprom interests in three of its electricity assets as part of efforts to clear some $1.4 billion (1 billion euros) of debt to the company, he said.

Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin said Tuesday that he discussed several investment projects involving Gazprom and other Russian companies with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a summit of ex-Soviet states in Minsk, the Interfax news agency reported.