Released on = April 23, 2007, 2:07 am

Press Release Author = Shushmul Maheshwari

Industry = Energy

Press Release Summary = At a ministry level meeting in Tokyo, Russia and Japan
committed to fortify mutual relations in oil and natural gas development and enhance
trade.

Press Release Body = Taro Aso, Japanese foreign minister and Viktor Khristenko,
Russian energy minister, acceded that their countries will loosen the trade
boundaries to encompass sectors like fishery and agricultural products, energy, IT
and transportation.

The two ministers talked about two oil and gas projects in Sakhalin Island in Russia
and an oil pipeline project in East Siberia, informed a foreign ministry official
from Japan on the condition of keeping his identity close.

The Russian energy minister called the Japanese market vital for Russian oil and gas
exports. Japan imports around 79% of its oil from Middle East but now it is raising
its dependence on energy assets, like gas, oil, and uranium enrichment process from
Russia to beef up its supply security.

Senior energy analyst at Mizuho Securities Co., Tokyo, Hidetoshi Shioda, said in a
telephonic conversation reported by Bloomberg.com on February 26, 2007, “Japan
should expand oil and gas imports from Russia. Cutting dependence on Middle East
means mitigating risks of any supply disruption in the region in the years
ahead”.

Aso informed Khristenko, the Russian energy minister, that Japan is interested in
importing LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) from Sakhalin-1 project (led by Exxon Mobil)
that started exporting oil from DeKastri terminal of Russia in 2006.

As the oil prices are shooting high (prices have grown by $40 per barrel from 2003
to 2006) and energy demand is skyrocketing both in Asiatic and worldwide, energy
resource possessors naturally intend to produce and export the maximum to gain large
market share and take benefit of higher prices.

According to “European LNG Market Analysis”, a market research report by
RNCOS, Russia has the largest gas reserves in the world, with current estimates of
about 47.82 trillion cubic meter, which is equivalent to 27% of the proven
recoverable reserves. Corresponding to its large gas reserves, the Russian
Federation is the largest producer of natural gas in the world. It currently exports
its natural gas through pipeline to approx 30 countries including Germany, Ukraine,
and Italy but doesn’t export LNG. But the recent discussions with Japan
indicate that the country will soon start exporting its LNG.

The report gives a detailed overview of Russian LNG market with projects in pipeline
and demand and supply statistics. European LNG market has been discussed in detail
with focus on key markets in the region. Industry analysis, challenges,
opportunities, and competitive landscape, supplemented with statistical data from
authentic sources have been give for investors.

About RNCOS E-Services Pvt Ltd.:

RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. It has a team of
industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. They provide
industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate
business decision in today\'s globally competitive environment.

For more information visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM0304.htm
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Contact Details = RNCOS E-Services Pvt Ltd.
Shushmul Maheshwari
Head of Business Development
29, 1st Floor, Patparganj Industrial Area, Delhi 92
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info@rncos.com