The gasification program, which extends to the borders of private homes in settlements already connected to the gas network, is moving ahead at a strong pace thanks to support from Gazprom. An energy policy analyst explained that this initiative brings natural gas closer to households that previously did not have access, expanding energy coverage across more communities.
According to the analyst, roughly 1.2 million residents have gained gas connections over the past two years. He noted that this figure represents about two thirds of the total potential for post-gasification expansion, underscoring significant progress toward broader energy inclusion.
“So far, roughly half a million households have begun using gas, while the remaining properties are still finishing site work,” the analyst added. He pointed out that a federal subsidy package totaling 1 billion dollars is being directed toward preferential groups to help purchase gas-using equipment and to extend gas pipes from the street to individual homes. This funding should speed up the rollout and reduce barriers to adoption for eligible families and individuals.
Previously, it was anticipated that these subsidies would only become available starting next year, but the new timeline accelerates access to essential energy infrastructure for more households. The list of beneficiaries includes veterans from the Second World War, first-group disabled persons, families with many children, and participants in military training programs along with their relatives. In total, thirteen beneficiary categories exist, and the new measures are expected to ease the process of connecting these residents to natural gas within their own plots.
There is also a proposal to extend the additional gasification program, which may continue beyond the original sunset dates and become a longer-running effort starting in 2023. The idea is to align with Gazprom’s broader gasification plans for new settlements, recognizing that there will be potential household consumers in these areas who can apply for network gas supplied right up to the doorstep and inside homes at no extra charge.
It is important to remember that the government is actively advancing a social gasification initiative that began under the leadership of the President. The plan includes continued funding to support home connections to gas networks. In 2024, the federal budget will again allocate resources to bring gas service directly to beneficiary households, reinforcing the commitment to expanding access to affordable energy across regions.