But, Gazprom is now considering a partnership with a western private-sector petroleum company because of concerns about spiraling costs.
Observers point to the complexities of the project - including freezing weather conditions, icebergs, and lack of infrastructure to transport the gas to market - for Gazprom's shift in tone.
A Gazprom spokesman also pointed to the company's concern about the potential for operating costs to spiral, saying: "We can't afford to take those financial risks."
-srbp-
