As an experiment

Gazprom has long been seeking the opportunity to sell gas at prices determined through bidding. And so the Interdepartmental Working Group allowed Gazprom to sell 5 billion cubic meters of gas at market prices on an experimental basis in 2006. Not everyone will be able to participate in the auction. In reality, gas will not be sold directly to consumers, but to subsidiaries of the Mezhregiongaz electronic trading platform, which resell gas for small commissions.