Упр. 3. ответьте на вопросы:
1. How is oil and gas industry historically regarded?
2. When did the development of the Russian oil and gas industry begin?
3. What does oil industry present for firms?
4. What is the most important task set for the gas industry?
5. What can gas industry initiate?
6. What led to a significant increase in the volumes of oil extraction in the first half of the 20th century?
7. The oil industry plays a significant role in Russia’s politics and foreign policy, does not it?
8. Are oil and gas more than commodities?
9. What is still a system-forming industry?
10. Why does Russia play an important part in the formation of word prices?
ТЕКСТ ПРИКРЕПЛЯЮ:
Text “Oil and Gas Industry of Russia”.
In Russia the oil and gas industry is historically regarded as being one of the most important sectors of the economy, as the revenue it generates forms a major component of the country’s budget. The oil and gas industry is currently the main source of the state’s tax revenues and currency revenues. Russia’s oil reserves are the third largest in the world. Russia is also a major producer of natural gas.
The development of the Russian oil and gas industry began in the mid-19th century with the development of oil deposits in the Northern Caucasus. The discovery and development of oil and gas deposits in the Volga, Urals, and Timan-Pechora areas led to a significant increase in the volumes of oil extraction in the first half of the 20th century. The development of major basins in Siberia, Timan-Pechora, the Caspian, and the Far East resulted in a record quantity of oil being extracted in 1988. Extraction levels fell at the beginning of the 1990s, but are now once again on the increase.
The oil industry plays a significant role in Russia’s macroeconomy, investment environment, infrastructure development, politics and foreign policy.
Given its central role in the economy, it is logical that oil is a significant driver of both domestic and foreign investment.
The Russian oil industry presents tremendous opportunities for firms, particularly in areas of engineering services, technical consulting and finance (raising capital, auditing).
Oil and gas are more than commodities and are also, tools of international power, components of foreign policy, elements of national security and a source of national pride.
Gas industry of the country is still a system-forming industry. It moves towards new economic relations following its own way, which is absolutely different from that of oilmen, coal miners or power engineers. The most important task set for the gas industry for the present is to be a reliable guarantor of supplying gas in required volumes, in due time and in due place both inside Russia and to European countries.
Gas industry not only stabilizes economy it also can initiate a breakthrough into a new technological era and facilitate deep structural transformation of the economy.
Russian gas industry is reach in unique industrial production experience, qualified stuff, it has assumed a position of a strategic operator on solvent gas markets in Europe, it disposes of colossal reserves of hydrocarbons, a unique natural resource base that, when reasonably used, ensures successful development of the industry for the next decades.
Russia plays a significant part in the formation of world prices owing to the large volumes of oil and gas that Russia supplies to the world market.

1. How is oil and gas industry historically regarded?
The oil and gas industry is historically regarded as one of the most important sectors of the economy in Russia. It generates significant revenue that forms a major component of the country's budget. It is also considered a crucial industry for the development and growth of the nation.

2. When did the development of the Russian oil and gas industry begin?
The development of the Russian oil and gas industry began in the mid-19th century with the exploration and extraction of oil deposits in the Northern Caucasus. This marked the initial phase of development in the industry.

3. What does the oil industry present for firms?
The oil industry presents tremendous opportunities for firms, especially in areas like engineering services, technical consulting, and finance. Firms can offer their expertise in these fields to contribute to the growth and development of the industry.

4. What is the most important task set for the gas industry?
The most important task set for the gas industry is to be a reliable guarantor of supplying gas in required volumes, in due time, and in the right place. This applies to both domestic consumption within Russia and exports to European countries.

5. What can the gas industry initiate?
The gas industry not only stabilizes the economy but also has the potential to initiate a breakthrough into a new technological era and facilitate deep structural transformation of the economy. It can drive innovation and contribute to the modernization of various sectors.

6. What led to a significant increase in the volumes of oil extraction in the first half of the 20th century?
The discovery and development of oil and gas deposits in the Volga, Urals, and Timan-Pechora areas led to a significant increase in the volumes of oil extraction in the first half of the 20th century. This expansion of extraction played a crucial role in the industry's growth during that period.

7. The oil industry plays a significant role in Russia’s politics and foreign policy, does it not?
Yes, the oil industry plays a significant role in Russia's politics and foreign policy. Given its central role in the country's economy, it has an influence on decision-making and strategic considerations. Additionally, oil exports and bilateral agreements involving oil have an impact on Russia's international relations.

8. Are oil and gas more than commodities?
Yes, oil and gas are more than commodities. They also serve as tools of international power, components of foreign policy, elements of national security, and a source of national pride. These resources have strategic importance and contribute to the overall strength and prestige of a country.

9. What is still a system-forming industry?
The gas industry is still considered a system-forming industry in Russia. It plays a crucial role in shaping the overall economic system and determining the direction of economic development. This industry has its unique path and significantly influences the national economy.

10. Why does Russia play an important part in the formation of world prices?
Russia plays an important part in the formation of world prices because it is one of the largest suppliers of oil and gas to the world market. The large volumes of oil and gas that Russia exports have a direct impact on global supply and demand dynamics, thus influencing prices. Russia's position as a major player in the industry gives it the ability to shape global market conditions to some extent.