Siberian experience: oil and gas

Central planning in the Soviet Union (USSR) requires oil and gas producers to meet national requirements rather than to generate profits. This allows a future-oriented fuel policy that makes the USSR the world leader in aggregate fuel output and the only energy self-sufficient industrialized country. Soviet hopes are tied to Western Siberia, whose reserves will ensure future production and make up for depletion in other regions. The high cost of producing and transporting oil and gas from Siberia is offset by the high labor efficiency and the development of new technology. (DCK)