PROBLEMS FOR
A shortage of compressors threatens ro upset sovrerstKrhMefm' plans for natural gas exports. Compressors are needed to repressure the old gas fields in the Ukraine and to raise the capacity of the domcslic pipeline system. The USSR probably will be unable to obtain and install compressors fast enough to avoid falling further behind its gas export schedule during ihc nexionths.
esult of several long-term agreements, ihc USSR has begun exporting sizable volumes of gas and plans lo raise deliveries considerably during the next several years. Exports lo Austria begano Easl and West Cermanynd to Finland inhipments to Italy plus additional exports to Austria arc scheduled to start in April, and deliveries to other East European countries are to begineanwhile, gas production is declining in many old Ukrainian fields which will bear Ihc burden of satisfying export requiremcnis during Ihe next few years.
Because natural gas is vital to such Soviet indusiries as electric power, metallurgy, chemicals, and cement, exports may fall short of the volume scheduledventually, large new deposits are to bc developed elsewhere and connected to the pipeline network toubstantia further growih of exports
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