Government Stimulation of the Investment Demand in the Russian Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

The subject of the research is the state of the investment activity and investment demand in the Russian oil and gas complex taking into account negative factors that affect further development of the oil and gas industry. The purpose of the research was to expose the reasons for the low investment activity and the short investment demand in the Russian oil and gas complex threatening its further development, given the high equipment depreciation and the lack of modern technologies. The study revealed key negative factors hindering the development of the oil and gas complex and affecting the investment activity and investment demand, and showed the impact of the industry-specific features on the current situation. The need in the coordinated state policy aiming to improve the efficiency of subsoil use as well as to boost the investment activity and investment demand in the oil and gas complex is substantiated. Proposals on the state investment policy, taking into account the successful foreign experience in boosting the oil recovery effectiveness and the rational use of mineral resources, are made. It is concluded that the oil and gas complex requires modernization of the physical infrastructure of enterprises engaged in the oil and gas industry and using advanced methods of enhancing the oil recovery. But the successful solution of the above problems without government participation is hindered by high investment risks associated with the specifics of the oil and gas industry. Under these conditions, the state economic policy that encourages investment in modern methods of enhanced oil recovery and upgrading the production capacities of oil and gas enterprises is becoming increasingly important.