Slower pipeline year for Gazprom

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MOSCOW, June 27 (UPI) -- Russian natural gas company Gazprom said its anticipated purchases for pipelines was lower than last year as major projects come on stream.

Alexei Miller, the top executive at Gazprom, met with E.ON Chief Executive Officer Johannes Teyssen in Moscow.

"The parties addressed the current issues and prospects for future cooperation in the energy sector," Gazprom said. "In addition, the meeting participants discussed progress with joint infrastructure projects as well as Russian natural gas supplies to Germany."

E.ON is a partner in the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline. Gazprom tested the first leg of the dual Nord Stream pipeline system this year. The project stretches from eastern Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany.

Gazprom said it expected its procurement of large-diameter pipelines to decline in 2012 following a peak year, The Moscow Times reports. Part of Nord Stream went into service last year while work began on the network's second line.

In terms of major projects, Gazprom has said it could expand Nord Stream at some point. The company is also anticipating construction of South Stream, a major network that would cross Turkish territory on its way to Europe.