Lead

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller held a working meeting with Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), to discuss current trends in the global gas market and preparations for the upcoming GECF summit, according to TASS.

The Russian gas holding said the two sides noted the key role of natural gas as a reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective energy source in ensuring global energy security and sustainable development. According to Gazprom and GECF estimates, global gas consumption will grow and increase by a third by mid-century.

The meeting also focused on preparations for the GECF summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 27, 2026. Gazprom noted that its unique experience and advanced technological solutions in gas production and transportation in various climatic conditions may be in demand by other GECF participants, particularly in the Global South — fast-growing economies with developing energy sectors.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, which reported the story, framed the meeting as a display of multilateral energy diplomacy and Gazprom's central role in global gas markets. The coverage highlighted Gazprom's corporate messaging, including its characterization of natural gas as reliable and environmentally friendly, and its relevance to fast-growing economies. The agency also reported on a separate series of meetings held by Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev with Russian energy companies at the same forum.

Key Claims

  • Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller met with GECF Secretary General Philip Mshelbila at SPIEF; discussions covered global gas market trends and a forecast one-third consumption growth by mid-century, as reported by TASS.
  • Natural gas is characterized as a reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective energy source, according to Gazprom.
  • The GECF summit is scheduled for October 27, 2026, in Moscow, as reported by TASS.
  • Gazprom's technological solutions are viewed as relevant for the Global South and fast-growing economies, according to Gazprom.
  • Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev held meetings with Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, and Rosneft at SPIEF; discussions covered energy cooperation, industrial interaction, supply reliability, and investment projects, as reported by TASS.
  • Gazprom and Uzbekistan are working under a strategic memorandum of cooperation in the energy sector, according to Khodjayev.
  • Khodjayev also met with St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov to discuss interregional cooperation and business ties, as reported by TASS.
  • SPIEF 2026 is taking place June 3–6, with the theme of shaping a new model of global development, as stated by the forum's organizers.