Rosneft's request to supply gas via Nord Stream 2 in progress

- Russian official confirms that Rosneft is waiting deliberation of energy ministry on gas shipments

Russia's largest oil company, Rosneft, is awaiting a response to its official request from Russian authorities to ship natural gas through the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that is due for completion soon, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in the capital Moscow, Novak said the company, which has recently increased its investments in natural gas production and oil production, is waiting for views of the energy ministry on transmission via the pipeline after which discussions will begin with the government.

Gazprom, one of the world's largest natural gas producers, is the only company authorized to export natural gas via pipelines under Russian law.

Gazpromā€™s president Aleksey Miller had stated earlier that natural gas shipments could begin to Europe via the Nord Stream 2 this year.

Reporting By E. Gurkan Abay in Moscow

Writing By Murat Temizer

Anadolu Agency

energy@aa.com.tr