The current level of gasification in Russia stands at 73.8 percent, a figure reported by Vitaly Korolev, the Deputy Head of the Federal Antimonopoly Service, during the Eastern Economic Forum. The statistic reflects ongoing efforts to expand access to natural gas across the country and to modernize energy infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. Officials note that rapid progress in gas distribution often accompanies broader economic programs aimed at improving living standards, reducing household energy costs, and enhancing participation in regional energy markets. The number highlights the importance of clear governance and targeted investments to sustain momentum in households and neighborhoods where gas remains a newer utility option.
In the Far East, leadership in gasification is led by the Khabarovsk Territory with about 61.8 percent, followed by the Sakhalin Region at roughly 55.76 percent, and Yakutia near 43.59 percent. These figures illustrate a wide regional variation in gas adoption, driven by factors such as population density, distance from main gas corridors, and the pace of local infrastructure development. The data underscore the need for regionally tailored approaches that address both household connectivity and the reliability of gas supply to settlements of varying sizes and geographic challenges.
According to the Federal Antimonopoly Service, increased gas consumption among residents of the Khabarovsk and Primorsky regions, together with the Sakhalin region, is projected to reach about 127.87 million cubic meters. This projected rise reflects not only household uptake but also the expanded reach of distribution networks, service connections, and consumer incentives designed to accelerate adoption. The figure serves as a barometer for regional energy planning and for assessing the effectiveness of policies aimed at widening access to affordable gas for homes and small businesses alike.
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin called for a broader social gasification program in a message to the Federal Assembly. Subsequently, the Ministry of Energy estimated that the initiative could touch as many as 1.5 million country houses. By the end of May, regional authorities were instructed to convene meetings in local horticultural non-profit partnerships (SNTs) to decide on free gasification opportunities and to approve concrete plans and schedules for connecting facilities by August 1. The directive emphasizes local governance and practical steps toward making gas a mass, accessible energy option for rural and peri-urban households.
In mid-May, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia had achieved one of the highest levels of gasification globally, pegging the figure around 74 percent. He noted that by 2030, approximately 1.6 million households should be connected, signaling a strategic aim to deepen household energy security and reduce dependence on alternative fuels. The remarks reflect a continuing push to scale infrastructure, streamline permitting, and ensure consistent gas supply in diverse regions across the country.
There has also been attention to the postponement of the gasification program in Kamchatka, indicating that implementation timelines can vary by territory due to logistical challenges, regional budgets, and the specifics of local networks. This hiccup illustrates the practical realities of rolling out a nationwide energy initiative that must balance ambitious targets with the practicalities of terrain, population distribution, and resource allocation. Overall, the country keeps moving toward broader gas access while addressing regional constraints and priorities.