* No concrete deal has been conducted so far
* Gazprom and NIS are not exploring for shale gas in Romania because they do not have the necessary technology or permits
Russian company Gazprom, through NIS (the subsidiary of Gazprom Neft), began the construction of a chain of gas stations in Romania. NIS officials have announced that the number of gas stations will reach 120 at the end of 2015, following an investment of about 150 million Euros.
Yesterday, Mr. Vadim Smirnov, the CEO of NIS Petrol România, told us, in an interview, that the speed at which the gas stations are being opened is too slow, that there are bureaucratic issues being encountered, as well as major delays in securing the oil exploration licenses in Western Romania. However, he has also said that NIS will take steps towards reaching its investment target in 2015.
According to Vadim Smirnov, NIS is interested in acquiring gas stations from other chains operating in Romania, but no negotiation has yielded any concrete results so far.
The official of NIS România did not comment on the recent statement that the Romanian president made concerning Gazprom, but he emphasized the fact that the Russian giant and its subsidiary NIS aren't looking for shale gas in Romania nor in Russia because they do not have the technologies needed for that and because that sector is very recent in Europe.
Reporter: How is the opening of new gas stations in Romania going?
Vadim Smirnov: We have recently opened the thirteenth gas station and ten more are still under construction. By the end of the year, we are hoping to reach thirty Gazprom gas stations in Romania, if the weather allows that construction activity.
Reporter: Are you pleased with the current pace of gas station openings?
Vadim Smirnov: Honestly, I am not that pleased because NIS' plan is to have 120
