"The issue has been initiated by the head of Rosneft Igor Sechin though it had been subject of discussion for a decade," he said.

MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. The issue of splitting Russia’s gas producer Gazprom has been initiated by Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Igor Sechin, Head of Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service Igor Artemyev said on Friday.

Gazprom split-off to be decided by presidential commission

The official said the issue of splitting Gazprom into transport and production units may be discussed by presidential commission on fuel and energy complex.

"The issue should be discussed within the respective program of gas market development, and the competition development road map implies such a document," he said, adding that it may be included in the agenda of presidential commission on fuel and energy complex.

As TASS reported earlier Russia’s First Deputy of Energy Minister Alexey Texler said the issue is not included in the presidential commission’s agenda. Market participants insist on splitting Gazprom’s transport assets into a separate company, which in their view will enhance transparency of rate setting for gas transportation.