Russia's turf wars

Even as the country's gas sector thrives, its major companies face political battles at home and abroad

The future of Russian gas in 2018, and in particular the prospects for exports to Europe, will be influenced by a number of contrasting factors that suggest a complex outlook for gas giant Gazprom. The foundation on which the company will be building is solid, as its production rebounded sharply in 2017 to reach about 470bn cubic metres (from 420bn in 2016) and exports stood at a record 185bn-190bn cm (up from the previous record of 179bn in 2016). This commercial success has been based on two factors: Gazprom's willingness to adapt its pricing strategy away from oil-linked contracts; and the surprising lack of competition from liquefied natural gas, as the expected surge in supply hasn't ye