Russia ups pipe production and consumption

According to the estimates of the Russian Union of Metal and Steel Suppliers, Russian pipe production for 2006 is expected to increase by 19.8 percent year on year to 7.3 million metric tons. In 2007, Russia's pipe production is expected to rise by 12.4 percent year on year to 8.3 million metric tons due to the predicted increase in the consumption of large diameter pipes. The rise in the consumption of large diameter pipes has been projected due to the implementation of new gas pipeline projects as well as new housing construction programs planned for 2007.