A deal to raise the price of Russian gas deliveries to Armenia is likely to top the agenda. The two countries have reached a preliminary agreement under which Yerevan would continue to pay Russia $56 per 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas until 1 April. The price would then rise to $110.
Putin and Kocharian should work out details of the deal today.
They will also take part in the ceremonial opening of the Year of Armenia in Russia.
(ITAR-TASS)
Caspian Energy Special
For a complete archive of RFE/RL's coverage of energy issues in the Caspian Sea region and Russia, click here.
HOW MUCH OIL? The U.S. Energy Information Administration has estimated that the Caspian could hold between 17 billion and 33 billion barrels of proven oil. ("Proven reserves" are defined by energy experts to be 90 percent probable.) Other experts estimate the Caspian could hold "possible reserves" of up to 233 billion barrels of oil. ("Possible reserves" are considered to be 50 percent probable.) By comparison, Saudi Arabia has 261 billion barrels of oil and the United States 23 billion...(more)
See also:
Economic Forecast For 2006 Sees Growth, But Danger In Continued High Oil Prices
How Vast Are The Riches In The Caspian?
Experts Envision A Future Beyond Oil
