DUSHANBE, March 28 (RIA Novosti) - Tajikstan's prime minister Tuesday heralded an initiative to create an oil and gas joint venture with Russian natural gas monopoly Gazprom.

"Fuel supplies are crucial for Tajikistan during the winter period, which is why we attach great importance to cooperation with Gazprom," Akil Akilov said.

Under the deal, Gazprom will develop four gas fields - Sarikamysh and Rengan in the west, and Sargazon and Olimtoi in the south. Proven gas resources in Sarikamysh and Rengan total 40 billion cubic meters and Sargazon 30 billion, while the Olimtoi deposit has yet to be prospected, Akilov said, adding that all were well served by infrastructure.

"All the deposits have the infrastructure, electricity transmission lines, and railway communications," he said. "Sarikamysh is located near the main gas pipeline."

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