Poland Refuses to Increase Payments for Building LNG Terminal

Poland will not agree to meet the expectations by the Italian firm Saipem to increase payments for the construction of its liquefied natural gas (LNGLF) (LNG) terminal in the Baltic city of Swinoujscie, the treasury ministry said on Monday.

The terminal, under contruction by a consortium including Italy's Saipem, is a key element of Poland's strategy to diversify energy sources for the country that now heavily relies on Russian supplies of gas and oil.

The ministry said it is in talks with Saipem, which puts forward financial claims, but added it would not agree on increased payments.

Earlier on Monday Poland's Deputy Prime Minister said the terminal should be ready in July this year, despite fears of further delays.

Reporting by Agnieszka Barteczko