Gazprom obtained the first positive conclusion from the Main State Expert Review for initial sections of the Volkhov–Murmansk trunk gas pipeline. The approval, issued on October 21, covers design and survey works for the Volkhov–Segezha–Kostomuksha stages in Leningrad Region and Karelia. The pipeline will exceed 1,000 km in length, with 1,400 mm diameter pipes and 11.8 MPa pressure. Completion is scheduled by 2030.