Russia Eyes Stake Increasing In Gazprom

The Russian government may increase its stake in natural gas monopoly Gazprom without merging it with Rosneft or transferring some of Rosneft?s assets, Interfax reported.

Over the last few days government officials held a number of meetings discussing various possibilities of increasing the Russia?s stake in Gazprom with a view of liberalizing Gazprom?s share market as soon as possible.

One of the sources told the agency: ?We are discussing a scheme according to which the state would receive control in Gazprom in exchange for other funds instead of Rosneft and Yuganskneftegaz assets.?