ADVANTAGES AND PROSPECTS FOR EXPANDING EXPORTS OF LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG) FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERAION TO THE ASIA-PACIFIC COUTRIES
This article analyzes the current state and future directions of LNG exports from the Russian Federation. Russia, as a major producer and exporter of energy resources, in order to participate in the formation of the global oil and gas markets and strengthen its role in the Asia-Pacific region (APR) and diversify its gas supply routes, has to explore the global LNG market, using existing competitive advantages and comprehensive marketing strategies. Energy market in the APR is the most promising direction for Russian LNG exports. In this region, there are centers of industrial production, which leads to a high demand for energy resources (about a third of the world total). LNG is used in the same areas where the network natural gas is used, but LNG has many advantages such as mobility and cost of transportation over long distances. Analysis of sustainable processes in the APR confirms the inevitability of a further increase in energy consumption. Domestic gas consumption of the largest exporters in the region (Malaysia and Indonesia) will be equal to their own production in the medium term. This fact will require replacement of gas exports to the countries in the region such as Japan, South Korea and China. Besides, in the APR there is no common regulated energy market and a unified system of pipelines. Therefore, Russia has all chances and conditions for participation in the formation of a common energy space in the region, taking into account both economic and political interests.