30-09-08 Regional authorities in Arkhangelsk Oblast intend to cut use of black oil (mazut) from today's 30 % of heating fuel to 4,7 % by year 2011. Meanwhile, the administration intends to save more than RUB 500 mm per year in fuel expenses.
A total of RUB 5 bn will be spent on the implementation of the Arkhangelsk regional action programme on gasification in the period 2009-2011. In the return, the region will not only get significantly lower fuel expenses, but also a major environmental benefit. Gas-fuelled boilers pollutes far less than the mazut-fuelled ones.

The replacement of oil with natural gas becomes possible thanks to the construction of a gas pipeline to the region. Until now, Arkhangelsk Oblast has been among the least gasificated regions in Russia.
Gazprom intends to complete the construction of the Arkhangelsk pipeline in the course of 2008.