Quarterlytics / Energy / Oil & Gas Equipment & Services / Novatek

Novatek

nvtk · LSE Energy
Claim this profile
Ticker nvtk
Exchange LSE
Sector Energy
Industry Oil & Gas Equipment & Services
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2018 Annual Report · Novatek
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
EXPANDING OUR 
GLOBAL LNG FOOTPRINT

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

T

N

I

R

P

T

O

O

F

G

N

L

L

A

B

O

L

G

R

U

O

G

N

I

D

N

A

P

X

E

8

1

0

2

T

R

O

P

E

R

L

A

U

N

N

A

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOVATEK  
at a Glance 2018

PAO NOVATEK is one of the largest independent producers of natural gas in 
Russia. The Сompany is engaged in the exploration, production, processing and 
sale of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons and has almost twenty-five years 
of experience in the Russian oil and gas industry. The Company entered the 
international gas market in December 2017 with the start of LNG production  
at the Yamal LNG Project.

HYDROCARBON 
RESERVES

PRODUCTION

SALES

1.22  

BLN 
BOE

Total proved hydrocarbon 
reserves addition (SEC), 
including production

15.79 BLN 

BOE

Total proved hydrocarbon 
reserves (SEC)

Fields and license areas56 

549   

MLN 
BOE

Hydrocarbon 
production

9 %

Share of natural gas 
production in Russia

+8.5

%

Natural gas production 
increase

MMT

11.8

Liquid hydrocarbons 
production

BCM

66

in Russia

Natural gas sales 

BCM

6

LNG sales on 

international markets 

15.8

MMT

Liquid hydrocarbons 

sales volume

832 RR 

Total revenues

BLN

$

$

RR 

BLN

415

Normalized EBITDA 

USD 

BLN

51.9

Market capitalization as of 31.12.2018 (LSE)

RR

26.06

Recommended dividend per share  

NOVATEK  

at a Glance 2018

HYDROCARBON 

RESERVES

1.22  

BLN 

BOE

Total proved hydrocarbon 

reserves addition (SEC), 

including production

15.79 BLN 

BOE

Total proved hydrocarbon 

reserves (SEC)

Fields and license areas56 

PRODUCTION

SALES

549   

MLN 

BOE

Hydrocarbon 

production

9 %

Share of natural gas 

production in Russia

+8.5

%

Natural gas production 

increase

MMT

11.8

Liquid hydrocarbons 

production

$

$

BCM

RR 
BLN

415

Normalized EBITDA 

66

Natural gas sales 
in Russia

BCM

6

LNG sales on 
international markets 

15.8

MMT

Liquid hydrocarbons 
sales volume

832 RR 

Total revenues

BLN

USD 
BLN

51.9

Market capitalization as of 31.12.2018 (LSE)

RR

26.06

Recommended dividend per share  

4

Contents

Letter to Shareholders ......................................................................6
Strategic Priorities ............................................................................ 12
Business Model .................................................................................. 13
Key Events and Achievements 2018 ....................................... 22
Key Indicators .................................................................................... 24

REVIEW OF OPERATING RESULTS

Licenses ................................................................................................40
Hydrocarbon Reserves ..................................................................40
Geological Exploration  ................................................................. 41
Field Development .......................................................................... 43
Hydrocarbon Production ..............................................................44
LNG Projects ......................................................................................44
Processing of Gas Condensate ................................................. 47
Natural Gas Sales ............................................................................48
Liquid Hydrocarbons Sales  ........................................................49

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Environmental Protection ............................................................ 52
Industrial Safety and Occupational Health ........................ 54
Human Resources ............................................................................56
Social Policy and Charity .............................................................. 57

Annual Report 20185

MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance System ................................................. 62
General Meeting of Shareholders ............................................ 62
Board of Directors  .......................................................................... 63
Board Committees  .........................................................................65
Management Board ........................................................................66
Remuneration to Members of the Board  
of Directors and Management Board .................................... 67
Internal Control and Audit........................................................... 67
Share Capital ......................................................................................69
Dividends .............................................................................................70
Information Transparency ............................................................. 71

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Risk Management System ............................................................73
Risk Insurance .....................................................................................81
Information on Members of NOVATEK's  
Board of Directors ............................................................................81
Information on Members of NOVATEK's  
Management Board ........................................................................84
Report on major, and interested-party transactions  
that the Company did in the reporting year ....................... 87
Corporate Governance Code Compliance Report ........... 87
Forward-looking Statements .................................................... 110
Conversion Factors......................................................................... 110
Terms and Abbreviations ..............................................................111
IFRS Consolidated Financial Statements for 2018 .........112
Contact Information ..................................................................... 188

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint6

Letter to 
Shareholders

ALEXANDER 
NATALENKO

Chairman of the Board 
of Directors

LEONID 
MIKHELSON

Chairman of the 
Management Board

MARK 
GYETVAY

Deputy Chairman 
of the Management 
Board

Annual Report 20187

Dear Shareholders,

TWO THOUSAND AND EIGHTEEN was an incredible year for NOVATEK culminating 
with the successful launch of our flagship Yamal LNG project and reaching the 
facilities' full design capacity in record time. It marked a year of exceptional 
achievements and EXPANDING OUR GLOBAL LNG FOOTPRINT with shipments 
to customers around the globe. 

Yamal LNG was launched in record time and on budget 
with the commissioning of the second and third 
LNG trains accomplished ahead of schedule by six 
months and more than a year, respectively. Yamal LNG 
established a new benchmark in the industry known 
for numerous budget overruns and delays in project 
implementation. The successful launch of all three 
liquefaction trains confirms that Yamal LNG is a unique 
project in the fastest-growing segment of the natural 
gas industry, enabling us to emerge as one of the major 
players in the global LNG market.

With a nameplate capacity of 16.5 million tons per annum 
(mmtpa) with the launch of three LNG trains, Yamal 
LNG’s natural gas feedstock is based on reserves of the 
South-Tambeyskoye field on the coast of the Ob Bay, 
located on the hydrocarbon-rich Yamal Peninsula. We 
will build the fourth LNG train with a planned capacity 
of 0.9 mmtpa based on NOVATEK’s patented proprietary 
liquefaction technology called “Arctic Cascade” using 
equipment produced and manufactured domestically in 
Russia. Combined, the project should reach a nameplate 
capacity of 17.4 mmtpa.

Yamal LNG is an integrated project encompassing 
natural gas production, liquefaction and marketing, with 
its key advantages of a prolific conventional reserve 
base, proven development technologies, very low 
lifting costs, advantageous geographical location and 
colder ambient temperatures. These strategic favorable 
operating conditions further support our future LNG 
projects on the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas, thus 
making our overall LNG platform extremely attractive 
based on lower capital intensity per ton of LNG 
produced, and optional transport routes to East and 
West natural gas consuming markets.

Yamal LNG is currently the largest LNG project in Russia 
with an aggregate share of about 5% of the global 
LNG market and represents a unique benchmark for 
the global oil and gas industry. We have something to 
be proud of, as we have consistently demonstrated our 
ability to develop our asset base and competitively 
produce natural gas and LNG in Russia’s Arctic zone. 
We have gained invaluable experience in implementing 
a large-scale LNG project in the Arctic region where, 

MMBOE

549

Total hydrocarbons production
7% growth as compared with 2017

despite the harsh climatic conditions, the colder ambient 
temperature provides us with a competitive advantage 
to lower the cost of liquefaction.

Many industry commentators consider natural gas as 
a “transition” or “bridge” fuel. We disagree with this 
characterization. Natural gas is a clean burning fossil 
fuel and will play a major role in the future energy 
mix as a key contributor to meet climate change and 
de-carbonization goals. We are very optimistic about 
our future LNG projects given forecasted LNG and 
natural gas demand scenarios, and the transition from 
coal to natural gas in the primary energy mix to support 
sustainable development principles. 

We officially opened the summer navigation period via 
the Northern Sea Route when we delivered the first 
commercial LNG shipments to China from Yamal LNG 
using the newly designed Arc7 ice-class tankers. These 
shipments were made possible due to the exceptional 
characteristics of our brand new, fully dedicated fleet 
of ice-class LNG carriers to serve our Arctic projects. 
These unique ice-class LNG carriers enable year-round 
navigation without icebreaker support along westbound 
navigation routes and, eastbound during the Arctic zones 
seasonal navigation period, along the Northern Sea Route.

During 2018, we delivered LNG cargos to Asia, India, 
South America, the Middle East and Europe, representing 
113 cargos, or 8.4 million tons. This demonstrates the 
commercial viability of delivering competitively priced 
LNG from the Arctic region of Russia to all major 
consuming regions of the world.

We also optimized our transport costs by decreasing the 
travel distance of the Arc7 ice-class tankers to ensure 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint8

113 LNG cargos or 8.4 mln tons  
of LNG offloaded in 2018  
from Yamal LNG

„The successful launch of all three 

liquefaction trains confirms that 
Yamal LNG is a unique project 
in the fastest-growing segment 
of the natural gas industry, 
enabling us to emerge as one of 
the major players in the global 
LNG market

Arctic LNG 2, based on the prolific 
hydrocarbon resources of the Utrenneye 
field located on the Gydan Peninsula, 
envisages for the construction of three 
LNG trains for a combined total of 
19.8 mmtpa

the timely loading and offloading of LNG produced 
from the Yamal LNG project. In November 2018, Yamal 
LNG successfully completed the first ship-to-ship LNG 
transshipment in the area near the port of Honningsvag 
in northern Norway. The operational experience gained 
from this process will be used at our future large-scale 
LNG transshipment projects in Kamchatka and the 
Murmansk Region, according us the opportunity to build 
an efficient logistics chain for our LNG projects. 

Arc 7

We officially opened the summer navigation period via 
the Northern Sea Route when we delivered the first 
commercial LNG shipments to China from Yamal LNG 
using the newly designed Arc7 ice-class tankers 

Our LNG strategy also provides for medium-tonnage 
and low-tonnage projects, enabling us to build effective 
distribution channels to target niche markets and 
customer segments. In the reporting year, we completed 
the construction and began commissioning of Cryogas-
Vysotsk, a medium-tonnage LNG plant located on the 
Baltic Sea. In 2018, we established a joint venture with 
Fluxys to build a medium-tonnage transshipment LNG 
terminal in Rostock in Germany, which will receive LNG 
carriers from the Cryogas-Vysotsk liquefaction facility.

In order to manage our transportation costs and build 
up the unique competencies of Arctic navigation, in May 
2018, we created a wholly owned transport subsidiary 
called Maritime Arctic Transport. Establishing an efficient 
Northern Sea Route shipping model is one of our key 
priorities to realize our long-term strategy and improve 
the competitiveness of NOVATEK’s Arctic projects.

The successful launch of our flagship LNG project 
demonstrated our ability to contribute in a meaningful 
way to the next wave of LNG projects delivering cost 
competitive LNG to the international markets. This year, 
we are ready to move forward with implementing our next 
LNG project, Arctic LNG 2, and this past May, we agreed 
in principle with our long-term partner TOTAL to enter 
the project and in March 2019, the deal was closed. The 
intention of our respected partner to enter into the Arctic 
LNG 2 project at an early stage confirms the outstanding 
economic attractiveness and huge perspectives of future 
LNG projects on the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas. 

Arctic LNG 2 is based on the prolific hydrocarbon 
resources of the Utrenneye field located on the Gydan 
peninsula. The project provides for the construction of 
three LNG trains at 6.6 mmtpa each, for a combined 
total of 19.8 mmtpa. Through innovation and technology, 
our goal for Arctic LNG 2 is to significantly reduce 

Annual Report 2018„Our large, high-quality, low-cost 

resource base in the hydrocarbon-
rich Yamal and Gydan peninsulas 
underlies our ambitious growth 
strategy

Nyakhartinskoye field

North-Obskoye field 

Utrenneye field

9

the liquefaction capital costs by using gravity-based 
structures (GBS) as the project’s platform. In late 2018, 
we completed the front end engineering and design 
work, or FEED, confirming the commercial viability 
of the project’s concept and estimated capital costs. 
Correspondingly, Arctic LNG 2 signed contracts on the 
design and construction of GBS, and the supply of turbo 
machinery equipment. In parallel, during 2018, we made 
ongoing construction progress at the LNG construction 
yard in the Murmansk Region, which will serve as the 
center for fabrication and construction of GBS platforms. 

We can substantially facilitate global LNG trade and 
decrease the travel distance of the Arc7 ice-class 
tankers by constructing our transshipment facilities 
in the Murmansk Region (westbound cargos) and at 
Kamchatka (eastbound cargos). This provides our 
commercial trading group with various options to trade 
LNG cargos to maximize netback margins based on 
trading spreads between the Pacific and Atlantic LNG 
trades. Moreover, we signed an agreement during the 
past year with the Ministry of the Russian Federation for 
the Development of the Far East and the Government of 
the Kamchatka Territory on the construction of a marine 
LNG transshipment complex in the Kamchatka region. It 
is paramount that we optimize our LNG logistical model 
to ensure the most effective and efficient year-round 
transport scheme. 

NOVATEK plans to significantly increase production of 
natural gas and LNG, and we are interested in developing 
the whole natural gas value chain to enhance the 
competitive advantages of our scalable low-cost LNG 
projects. In 2018, we concluded several Memorandums of 
Understanding in relation to the Company’s current and 
future LNG projects.

Our large, high-quality, low-cost resource base in the 
hydrocarbon-rich Yamal and Gydan peninsulas underlies 
our ambitious growth strategy. In 2018, we successfully 
expanded our resource base through exploration works 
as well as obtaining new mineral licenses on the Yamal 
and Gydan peninsulas. Over the past several years we 
have managed to acquire through tenders and auctions 
very enviable license areas to support our future LNG 
growth ambitions. We will continue to deploy capital to 
our exploratory activities to prepare these license areas 
for future LNG projects.

Our first exploration well testing the North-Obskiy 
license area located in the shallow waters of the Ob Bay 
yielded a new field discovery called the North-Obskoye 
field. The North-Obskoye field was the single standalone 
largest gas discovery in the world in 2018 with natural 
gas reserves attributable to the first exploration well 
amounting to 322 billion cubic meters (bcm) according to 
the Russian reserve classification methodology. 

In 2018, significant reserve growth was also confirmed 
at the Utrenneye field with the discovery of of two new 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint10

hydrocarbon deposits increasing the field’s natural gas 
reserves up to about 2 trillion cubic meters. The new 
deposits expand the field’s reserve potential and open 
additional opportunities for implementing the Arctic LNG 
2 project. 

Our exploration success was not only confined to 
the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas. We discovered the 
Nyakhartinskoye field, located in close proximity to the 
Company’s Yurkharovskoye field. This represents a very 
important reserve discovery to maintain NOVATEK’s 
natural gas production output in the area of the Unified 
Gas Supply system. 

The Company’s reserves were also positively impacted 
by successful exploration works at the Utrenneye, 
Urengoyskoye (Samburgskiy license area) and 
Yarudeyskoye fields, as well as production drilling at 
the South-Tambeyskoye, North-Russkoye and Yaro-
Yakhinskoye fields.

We obtained the following new licenses: the South-
Leskinskiy, Payutskiy, Palkurtoiskiy, Centralno-
Nadoyakhskiy, Beregovoy, Ust-Yamsoveyskiy and 
Chernichniy license areas.

Our total SEC proved reserves, including the Company’s 
proportionate share in joint ventures, aggregated 
15,789 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe), including 
2,177 bcm of natural gas and 181 million metric tons 
(mmt) of liquid hydrocarbons. At year-end 2018, our total 
proved reserves increased by 4% compared to year-end 
2017, representing a reserve replacement rate of 222% 
for the year, the addition of 1,218 million boe, inclusive 
of 2018 production. We retained our core competitive 
advantage by being ranked among the lowest cost 
hydrocarbon producers globally, and our lifting costs 
remained at a very low level of $0.6 per boe. We are 
fully committed to our strategy providing for strict cost 
control and conservative financial policies.

BCM 

72.1

Natural gas sales volumes, including volumes of LNG 
sold, 11% growth as compared with 2017

During the past year, NOVATEK’s hydrocarbon production 
totaled 549.1 million boe, including 68.8 bcm of natural 
gas and 11,800 thousand tons of liquids (gas condensate 
and crude oil), representing an increase in total 
hydrocarbons produced by 35.8 million boe, or by 7.0%, 
as compared with 2017. The positive factors contributing 
to our production growth were mainly attributable to 

„The Company built a new residential 

school for 800 schoolchildren in the 
Gyda settlement located on the Gydan 
Peninsula. It is crucial that we give 
back to society and develop the future 
generation of Russia. 

the launch of the three trains at Yamal LNG and the 
acquisition of new assets at the end of 2017 and first 
quarter 2018.

We had a very successful year marketing natural gas 
to both the domestic and international markets. Our 
natural gas sales volumes, including LNG volumes sold, 
aggregated 72.1 bcm, representing an increase of 11.0% as 
compared with 2017. Volumes of natural gas sold in the 
Russian domestic market in 2018 were 66.1 bcm, whereas 
LNG volumes sold on international markets amounted 
to 6.1 bcm or 57 cargos of LNG. Sales volumes of LNG 
in 2017 were 0.1 bcm as Yamal LNG commenced LNG 
shipments on 8 December 2017.

Our current business generates sufficient operating cash 
flows to internally fund our operations, service our debt 
and liabilities, and distribute cash to our shareholders in 
the form of dividends. Our strong cash flow generated 
from our core domestic business has allowed us to 
significantly reduce our long-term debt portfolio and 
maintain strong credit metrics. In 2018, our revenues 
increased by 43% to RR 832 bln and our normalized 
EBITDA increased by 62% to RR 415 bln while our 
normalized profit increased 49% to RR 233 bln.

Based on the Company’s financial results, the Board 
of Directors recommended to the General Meeting 
of Shareholders to approve dividends for 2018 at RR 
26.06 per share, exceeding the dividend paid out for the 
previous year by 74.3%.

TWO THOUSAND AND EIGHTEEN began the 
transformation of NOVATEK into a global gas company. 
We will play a major role in the global LNG markets and 
our ambitious strategic goal to be one of the largest 
single LNG producers in the world is supported by our 
unique resource potential, professional competences, 
exceptional experience gained with the launch of Yamal 
LNG, a balanced investment portfolio, keen focus on cost 
control and adherence to strict financial policies. These 
characteristics are the hallmark of a successful company 
but they alone are not sufficient to attain the status 
of a truly great company. We must take a responsible 
approach to our business conduct. NOVATEK seeks to 

Annual Report 201811

and maintain our commitment to our core domestic 
business. We thank all of our employees for their 
commitment and dedication as we continue our journey 
of transforming NOVATEK into a global gas company.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Management 
Board, we are pleased to present to all our valued 
stakeholders the Company’s 2018 Annual Report. We 
would like to thank everyone for your continued support, 
as we remain committed to growing NOVATEK and 
EXPANDING OUR GLOBAL LNG FOOTPRINT while 
implementing the best international practices and 
principles of sustainable development.

ALEXANDER NATALENKO 
Chairman of the Board of 
Directors

LEONID MIKHELSON 
Chairman of the 
Management Board

MARK GYETVAY 
Deputy Chairman of the 
Management Board

%

 62

Increase of normalized EBITDA to RR 415 bln 

comply with the best sustainability principles taking 
into consideration the interests of all stakeholders when 
making decisions. We see sustainable development as 
one of the cornerstones of our future growth and key to 
EXPANDING OUR GLOBAL LNG FOOTPRINT.

YNAO is the principal home of our major oil and gas 
operations. Social commitments are often overlooked in 
the grander scheme of our development activities and 
lofty LNG ambitions but it is crucial that we give back 
to society and develop the future generation of Russia. 
We are very proud to have built a new residential school 
for 800 schoolchildren in the Gyda settlement located 
on the Gydan peninsula. This past year began the first 
academic year for students in a new school. We also 
launched the “Health Territory” charity project assisting 
children with medical care and targeted aid in the Yamal 
Nenets Autonomous Region (YNAO). 

We were recognized for our efforts in environmental 
protection, social responsibility and corporate 
governance by the global community. In 2018, NOVATEK 
remained a constituent of the FTSE4Good Emerging 
Index of FTSE Russell Ratings. We became the winner 
of the 2018 National Environmental Award named after 
Vladimir Vernadskiy in the nomination “Innovative Eco-
efficient Technologies in Industry and Energy” with our 
“Arctic Cascade” liquefaction technology; and the winner 
of the “Change Management. Visionaries.” award with 
our Sustainability Report in the category “Disclosure of 
Information on Social Impact”.

We would not be here today if it were not for the 
thousands of dedicated employees working at NOVATEK 
and our joint ventures. Human capital is mission critical 
to develop a world-class company based on innovation 
and technology to drive our next wave of LNG projects 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint12

Strategic Priorities

Conservative 
financial policies

n
o
i
t
a
v
o
n
n

i

Optimize
marketing 
channels

Increase 
hydrocarbon 
production

technology

RESOURCE BASE
GROWTH

technology

Sustainable 
development

Corporate 
governance

Maintain 
low cost
structure

Build low cost 
scalable LNG 
platform

n
o
i
t
a
v
o
n
n

i

Efficient investment 
decisions

Resourse base growth
•  Organic resource growth from exploration and 

development activities on the Yamal and Gydan 
peninsulas

•  Strategic acquisitions and active participation in 

license tenders

Optimize marketing channels
•  Maximize use of Northern Sea Route and develop key 

transshipment points

•  Build diversified LNG trading portfolio
•  Develop strategic partnerships with industry partners 

in key markets

Increase hydrocarbon production
•  Increase gas production through development of 
projects within the UGSS and LNG projects in the 
Arctic

•  Development of deeper Jurassic and Achimov layers
•  Fully utilize processing capacity of Ust-Luga complex

Build low cost scalable LNG platform
•  Increase production through development of scalable 

LNG projects

•  Development of proprietary LNG technologies
•  Integrated projects for production and liquefaction of 

natural gas

Maintain low cost structure
•  Remain one of the lowest cost hydrocarbon producers 

in the global oil & gas industry

Sustainable development
•  Reduce and prevent negative environmental impact
•  Increase the efficiency and rational use of natural 

•  Optimize cost structure through strategic investment 

resources, energy efficiency

of capital

•  Develop low cost LNG value chain

Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
Conservative 

financial policies

Increase 

hydrocarbon 

production

Optimize

marketing 

channels

n

o

i

t

a

v

o

n

n

i

n

o

i

t

a

v

o

n

n

i

Efficient investment 

decisions

technology

technology

RESOURCE BASE

GROWTH

Sustainable 

development

Corporate 

governance

Maintain 

low cost

structure

Build low cost 

scalable LNG 

platform

Business Model

Yamal LNG

Producing fields
Separation and 
treatment

LNG

by sea

Natural gas by pipeline

Crude oil by pipeline

Unstable gas 
condensate 
by pipeline 

Purovsky Plant 
(nameplate 
capacity - 11 mmtpa) 
Stabilization of  gas 
condensate 

11.011.0

MMT

22% LPG

13

Sales volume

Natural gas

8%

92%

Crude oil

34%

66%

BCM

72.1

MMT

4.5

international market

domestic market

LPG

22%

78%

MMT

2.7

MMT

1.9

Stable gas 
condensate

14%

86%

Petroleum 
products

78%
Stable gas 
condensate

22%

Stable gas 
condensate

78% 

Stable gas condensate
by rail 

6.96.9 MMT

Ust-Luga Complex 
(nameplate 
capacity - 6 mmtpa)
Fractionation of 
stable gas condensate

62% Naphtha 
16%  Jet fuel
13%  Fuel oil 
9%   Gasoil

by sea

~100%

MMT

6.7

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint14

Hydrocarbon 
Reserves

Yamal-Nenets 
Autonomous 
Region

15.79

BLN 

BOE  222

%

Total proved 
hydrocarbon reserves 
(SEC)

Reserve replacement 
rate

Yamal LNG

Arctic LNG 2

Purovsky Gas Condensate Processing Plant

Gas condensate pipelines of NOVATEK

56

fields and license areas

Producing Fields

Prospective Fields and 
License Areas

Yamal-Nenets 
Autonomous Region

Syskonsynyinskiy LA 
(located in KMAO)

North-Obskiy 

license area

North-Tasiyskiy 

license area

Syadorskiy 

license area

South-

Tambeyskoye 

field

Shtormovoy 

license area

South-Leskinskiy license area

Utrenneye 

field

Ladertoyskiy 1 

license area

Ladertoyskiy 

license area

Nyavuyahskiy 

license area

Tanamskiy subsoil area

Central-Nadoyakhskiy license 

area

West-Solpatinskiy license area

Palkurtoiskiy license area

North-Tanamskiy 

license area

Krasnoyarsk 

Territory

Payutskiy 

license area

East-Tambeyskiy 

license area

Gydanskiy 

license area

Verhnetiuteyskiy + 

West-Seyakhinskiy LA

Gydanskiy 1 

license area

Geofizicheskiy 

license area

Trekhbugorniy 

license area

Malo-

Yamalskoye 

field

Nyakhartinskiy 

license area

West-

field

Yurkharovskoye 

Yurkharovskoye field

East-Tazovskoye 

field

North-

Urengoyskoye 

field

Samburgskiy 

license area

North-

Russkoye 

field

Osenniy 

license area

North-Yubileynoye 

field

Dorogovskoye field,

Dorogovskiy 1 license 

area

North-Russkiy 

license area

Kharbeyskoye field

Raduzhnoye field

Yaro-Yakhinskiy license area

West-Yaroyakhinskiy license area

North-Chaselskiy 

license area

Beregovoy license 

Chernichnoye field

Yevo-

area

Yakhinskoye field

Ust-Yamsoveyskiy 

license area

West-

Chaselskoye 

field

Termokarstovoye 

field

East-Tarkosalinskoye 

field

Yumantilskiy license area

North-

Khancheyskoye+

Khadyryakhinskoye 

field

South-Khadyryakhinskiy 

license area

Khancheyskoye field

West-Urengoiskiy 

license area

Yarudeyskoye 

field

Ukrainsko-

Yubileynoye field

Olimpiyskiy license area

Annual Report 201815

North-Obskiy 
license area

North-Tasiyskiy 
license area

Syadorskiy 
license area

South-
Tambeyskoye 
field

Verhnetiuteyskiy + 
West-Seyakhinskiy LA

Shtormovoy 
license area

Utrenneye 
field

Ladertoyskiy 1 
license area
Nyavuyahskiy 
license area

East-Tambeyskiy 
license area

Gydanskiy 
license area

Gydanskiy 1 
license area

Geofizicheskiy 
license area

Trekhbugorniy 
license area

South-Leskinskiy license area

Ladertoyskiy 
license area

Tanamskiy subsoil area

Central-Nadoyakhskiy license 
area

West-Solpatinskiy license area

Palkurtoiskiy license area

North-Tanamskiy 
license area

Krasnoyarsk 
Territory

Payutskiy 
license area

Malo-
Yamalskoye 
field

Nyakhartinskiy 
license area

West-
Yurkharovskoye 
field

Yurkharovskoye field

East-Tazovskoye 
field

North-
Urengoyskoye 
field

Samburgskiy 
license area

North-
Russkoye 
field

Osenniy 
license area

Dorogovskoye field,
Dorogovskiy 1 license 
area

North-Russkiy 
license area

Kharbeyskoye field

North-Yubileynoye 
field

Raduzhnoye field

West-Urengoiskiy 
license area

Yarudeyskoye 
field

Ukrainsko-
Yubileynoye field

Olimpiyskiy license area

Yaro-Yakhinskiy license area

West-Yaroyakhinskiy license area

North-Chaselskiy 
license area

Yevo-
Yakhinskoye field

Ust-Yamsoveyskiy 
license area

Beregovoy license 
area

West-
Chaselskoye 
field

Chernichnoye field

Termokarstovoye 
field

East-Tarkosalinskoye 
field

Yumantilskiy license area

North-
Khancheyskoye+
Khadyryakhinskoye 
field

South-Khadyryakhinskiy 
license area

Khancheyskoye field

Yamal-Nenets 

Autonomous 

Region

15.79

Total proved 

BLN 

BOE  222

%

Reserve replacement 

hydrocarbon reserves 

rate

(SEC)

Yamal LNG

Arctic LNG 2

Purovsky Gas Condensate Processing Plant

Gas condensate pipelines of NOVATEK

56

fields and license areas

Producing Fields

Prospective Fields and 

License Areas

Yamal-Nenets 

Autonomous Region

Syskonsynyinskiy LA 

(located in KMAO)

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint16

Yamal LNG

UNIQUE integrated project for production, liquefaction and sale 
of natural gas. In 2018, three LNG trains reached full capacity.

MMTPA

17.4

LNG liquefaction capacity after Train 4 

launch

MMTPA

ARCTIC 

CASCADE

No. 1

Yamal LNG is the largest LNG project 
in Russia

TRAINS LAUNCH

months ahead of schedule

months ahead of schedule

›12 
6 

3

2

1

5.5

Nameplate capacity of each of the three 
trains in operation

NOVATEK's patented proprietary 

liquefaction technology will be utilized for 

construction of Train 4

Nameplate capacity of Train 4

MMTPA

0.9

LNG

8.6MMT OF 

THE PROJECT WAS 
CONSTRUCTED AND 
COMMISSIONED 
ON BUDGET

113

in 2018

LNG cargos offloaded from Yamal LNG 

LNG production at Yamal LNG in 2018

on schedule

Arc7 

The project is supported by a fleet of 
Arc7 ice-class tankers supplemented 
by lower ice-class designated tankers 
to transport LNG cargos

Annual Report 2018MMTPA

17

17.4

LNG liquefaction capacity after Train 4 
launch

No. 1

Yamal LNG is the largest LNG project 

in Russia

MMTPA

5.5

Nameplate capacity of each of the three 

trains in operation

ARCTIC 
CASCADE

NOVATEK's patented proprietary 
liquefaction technology will be utilized for 
construction of Train 4

MMTPA

0.9

Nameplate capacity of Train 4

TRAINS LAUNCH

months ahead of schedule

months ahead of schedule

›12 

6 

on schedule

3

2

1

THE PROJECT WAS 

CONSTRUCTED AND 

COMMISSIONED 

ON BUDGET

113

LNG cargos offloaded from Yamal LNG 
in 2018

Arc7 

The project is supported by a fleet of 

Arc7 ice-class tankers supplemented 

by lower ice-class designated tankers 

to transport LNG cargos

LNG

8.6MMT OF 

LNG production at Yamal LNG in 2018

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint18

Arctic LNG 2

Arctic LNG 2 is the second LNG project of NOVATEK which includes the 
construction of three LNG trains, with a total design capacity of 19.8 mmpta

The Utrenneye 
field is the 
resource base for 
the Project

Innovative 
construction 
concept using 
gravity-based 
structures (GBS)

LNG trains will 
be fabricated at 
NOVATEK's LNG 
Construction Center

Three LNG trains 
at 6.6 mmtpa 
each 

LNG 
Construction 
Center

Belokamenka

South-
Tambeyskoye 
field
Yamal LNG

Yamal 
Peninsula

Utrenneye field
Arctic LNG 2

Gydan 
Peninsula

Yamal-Nenets 
Autonomous 
Regon

Exploration drilling  
at the Utrenneye field 

LNG CONSTRUCTION CENTER

LNG construction center is the world's first complex to 
build GBS-based LNG trains.

The LNG Construction Center will comprise two dry 
docks to build GBS and facilities to manufacture topside 
modules. This new facility will establish a state-of-
the-art LNG platform in Russia, create new jobs in 
engineering and production, and also contribute to 
regional economic development

Annual Report 2018Utrenneye field’s reserves under PRMS as of 31.12.2018

19

1,138 BCM OF 

GAS 57 MMT OF LIQUID 

NATURAL 

HYDROCARBONS

CONCEPT

In 2018:
Completed the front end 
engineering and design 
work (FEED)

Contracted more than 
50% of the equipment for 
the Project

Started site preparation, 
construction of early phase 
power supply facilities, 
production wells drilling 
and berth construction

Signed a contract on the 
design and construction of 
GBS

Signed an agreement 
for the supply of turbo 
machinery equipment, 
including the supply of gas 
turbine compressors and 
gas turbine generators for 
the three liquefaction trains

NOVATEK and TOTAL 
agreed in principle on 
the entry into the Arctic 
LNG 2 providing for a 
purchase by TOTAL of a 
10% participating interest 
in the project. The deal was 
closed in 2019

KEY ADVANTAGES

•  Optimize and reduce CAPEX per ton of LNG 

liquefaction

•  Low cost, onshore conventional natural gas
•  Reduce construction and logistical costs as main 
LNG equipment is built and installed at the LNG 
construction center 

•  High local content
•  Minimize scope of work in the Arctic area
•  Minimize environmental impact

Total area over 150 Ha

Accommodation camp 
up to 15,000 people

Concrete batch plant 
180,000 cubic meters 
per annum

Reinforced concrete 
structures fabrication 
shops

Process module fabrication 
shops (up to 100,000 tons 
per annum)

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint20

Cryogas-Vysotsk

Cryogas-Vysotsk is our first medium-scale LNG project on the Baltic Sea

LNG production 
facility is located in 
the port of Vysotsk, 
the Leningrad 
Region

Sales: 
•  Domestic market
•  Baltic, Scandinavian and North-
Western European markets 

•  Refueling of bunkering vessels and 

sales of LNG as a motor fuel

The project 
infrastructure includes 
two LNG trains with a 
capacity of 330 mtpa 
each, a 42 mcm LNG 
storage tank and an 
offloading terminal

Baltic Sea

Vysotsk

delivery by sea

delivery by land

transshipment

Finland

Russia

Vysotsk

Sweden

Estonia

Lithuania

Rostock

Poland

Germany

We see vast prospects in using LNG as marine fuel and 
motor fuel to substitute for diesel and fuel oil, that will 
contribute to decreasing emissions and improving the 
environment.

The transshipment terminal will receive LNG carriers from 
the Cryogas-Vysotsk liquefaction facility and further LNG 
deliveries to the consumer market will be made via trucks. 
It will also have an option of bunkering and loading of 
bunkering vessels.

NOVATEK and Fluxys established a joint venture to 
design, build, finance, own and operate a medium-scale 
LNG transshipment terminal with a capacity of about 
300 mtpa in the port of Rostock, Germany. 

Annual Report 201821

MTPA OF 
LNG

660Initial design capacity

Bunkering

Shipping berth designed to handle up to 30 mcm 
capacity LNG tankers

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint22

Key Events and 
Achievements 2018

YNAO

YAMAL LNG 

•  The Yamal LNG project reached its full 
capacity more than a year ahead of the 
initial schedule. First LNG cargos were 
shipped to Europe, the Asian Pacific 
region and Latin America. Yamal LNG 
carried out the first ship-to-ship LNG 
transshipment.

“ARCTIC CASCADE” 

•  We patented the “Arctic Cascade” 

proprietary liquefaction technology for 
use at Train 4 of Yamal LNG. 

•  NOVATEK was recognized by the National 

Environmental Award named after 
Vladimir Vernadskiy in the nomination 
category of “Innovative Eco-efficient 
Technologies in Industry and Energy” for 
its Arctic Cascade natural gas liquefaction 
process. 

LARGE GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES

•  We discovered the North-Obskoye field through our 
successful exploration efforts, which was named the 
world's largest standalone gas field discovery in 2018. 
A new field called Nyakhartinskoye was also discovered. 
While testing a prospecting well at the Utrenneye 
field, we discovered new gas condensate deposits and 
confirmed the commercial productivity of the field’s 
Middle Jurassic layer.

•  We acquired mineral licenses for the Beregovoy, 

Ust-Yamsoveyskiy, Payutskiy, Palkurtoiskiy, Central-
Nadoyakhskiy, South-Leskinskiy and Chernichniy license 
areas.

•  The Company commissioned the oil deposits at the Yaro-
Yakhinskoye oil, gas and condensate field (Arcticgas).

Annual Report 201823

•  NOVATEK incorporated the Maritime Arctic Transport 

LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary to manage and optimize 
shipping costs, and to build unique competencies in 
Arctic navigation.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

•  NOVATEK remained a constituent in the FTSE4Good 

Emerging Index published by FTSE Russell Ratings. For its 
Sustainability Report, the company received the “Change 
Management. Visionaries.” Award in the Social Impact 
Disclosure category.

•  A new “Health Territory” charity project was launched 

aimed at providing medical aid to children from the regions 
where we operate.

•  A new boarding school for 800 children was built in 

Gyda village on the Gydan peninsula, in one of the most 
remote settlements of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous 
Region. 

DEVELOPMENT OF LNG BUSINESS

•  NOVATEK and TOTAL agreed in 

principle on TOTAL’s entry into Arctic 
LNG 2. The deal was closed in 2019.

•  We signed contracts with SAREN 
on the design and construction of 
gravity-based structures (GBS) and 
Nuovo Pignone on the supply of turbo 
machinery equipment for the Arctic 
LNG 2 project.

•  An agreement was signed with the 
Ministry for the Development of 
the Russian Far East and with the 
Government of the Kamchatka Region 
for the construction of an offshore LNG 
transshipment terminal.

•  We signed strategic cooperation 
agreements on LNG projects with 
Sovcomflot, Rosatom, Siemens, and 
SACE, the Italian export and credit 
agency.  

•  Memorandums of Understanding were 
signed with Saudi Aramco, KOGAS, the 
Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National 
Corporation (JOGMEC) and Japan’s 
Saibu Gas.

•  We created a joint venture with Fluxys 
for the construction of a mid-scale 
LNG transshipment terminal in the 
port of Rostock in Germany.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint24

Key Indicators

Unit

2017

2018

Change

Financial indicators

Total revenues

Normalized profit from operations1

RR mln

RR mln

583,186

831,758

163,751

225,539

Normalized EBITDA (including share in EBITDA of JVs)1 RR mln

256,464

415,296

Normalized profit attributable to shareholders of  
PAO NOVATEK2

RR mln

156,166

232,930

Normalized earnings per share, basic and diluted2

RR

51.78

77.29

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash used for capital expenditures3

Free cash flow

Operating indicators

Proved natural gas reserves (SEC) 

Proved liquid hydrocarbon reserves (SEC) 

Total hydrocarbon reserves (SEC) 

Natural gas production

Liquid hydrocarbons production

Proportionate share in LNG production of JVs4

Total production

Daily production

Positions in Russia

RR mln

RR mln

RR mln

bcm

mmt

mmboe

bcm

mt

mt

mmboe

mmboe/day

Share in natural gas production5

Share in liquid hydrocarbons production5

%

%

180,399

216,349

29,871

94,038

150,528

122,311

2,177

181

15,789

68.8

11,800

5,152

549.1

1.50

2,098

164

15,120

63.4

11,774

162

513.3

1.41

9.1

2.2

42.6%

37.7%

61.9%

49.2%

49.3%

19.9%

214.8%

(18.7%)

3.8%

10.4%

4.4%

8.5%

0.2%

n/a

7.0%

7.0%

9.3

2.1

0.2 p.p.

(0.1 p.p.)

1.  Excluding the effect from disposal of interests in joint ventures.
2.  Excluding the effects from the disposal of interests in joint ventures, as well as foreign exchange gains (losses).
3.  Cash used for capital expenditures represents purchases of property, plant and equipment, materials for construction and capitalized interest paid 

per Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows net of payments for mineral licenses and acquisition of subsidiaries. 

4.  Natural gas and LNG production at Yamal LNG are reported at 60%.
5.  According to CDU TEK information.

Annual Report 201834%

66%

41%

59%

Total proved hydrocarbon reserves (SEC), mmboe

Proved natural gas reserves (SEC), bcm

25

12,643

12,817

13,402

15,789

15,120

2,098

2,177

1,751

1,775

1,848

35%

65%

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Proved developed

Proved undeveloped

Natural gas production, bcm

Liquids production, mmt

62.1

67.9

67.6

63.4

68.8

12.4

11.8

11.8

9.1

6.0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Crude oil
Gas condensate

Operating cash flow, RR bln

Dividends per share, RR

216.3

26.061

173.8

180.4

132.9

111.2

13.5

13.9

14.95

10.3

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Normalized EBITDA2, RR bln

Normalized profit attributable to shareholders of 
PAO NOVATEK3,  RR bln

232.9

415.3

214.2

159.6

242.4

256.5

156.2

133.8

74.4

37.3

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

1.  Recommendation of the Board of Directors.
2. 
3.  Excluding the effects from the disposal of interests in JVs, as well as foreign exchange gains (losses).

Including share in EBITDA of JVs. Excluding the effect from disposal of interests in JVs.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint26

Geological Exploration
and Production

We continued to achieve some of the lowest lifting costs in the industry.  
In 2018, NOVATEK produced commercial hydrocarbons at 18 fields.

BCM

68.8

Total natural gas 
production
8.5% growth as 
compared with 2017

MMT

11.8

Total liquid 
hydrocarbons 
production

549

MLN 
BOE

Total hydrocarbon 
production
7% growth as 
compared with 2017

41

59

32

5

7

11

14

35

23

Luquid hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbon production 

production breakdown, %:

gas condensate 
crude oil

54years — proved and 

probable reserve to 
production ratio (PRMS)

breakdown, %:
NOVATEK-

Yurkharovneftegas’ fields

Arcticgas’ fields 
NOVATEK-

Tarkosaleneftegas’ fields 

South-Tambeyskoye 
Yarudeyskoye

North-Urengoyskoye 
Termokarstovoye
Others 

USD

1.5 

per boe — 2014–2018 
reserve replacement 
cost

47.6 

RR  
BLN

invested in resource 
base development

Annual Report 201827

Processing of Gas 
Condensate

11,017

MT

Processing of de-ethanized 
condensate

6,949

MT

Processing of stable gas 
condensate

Total output of the Purovsky Plant in 2018, mt

Total output of the Ust-Luga Complex in 2018, mt

8,501 

stable gas 
condensate

2,452 

15 

2,247

1,997

1,087

843

633

NGL and LPG

regenerated 
methanol

heavy 
naphtha

light 
naphtha

jet fuel

ship fuel 
component

gasoil

PUROVSKY PLANT

UST-LUGA COMPLEX

The Purovsky Plant is the central element in our vertically 
integrated value chain that provides us complete 
operational control over our processing needs and access 
to higher yielding marketing channels for our stable gas 
condensate. The Purovsky Plant processes unstable gas 
condensate into stable gas condensate and natural gas 
liquids (NGL).

The Gas Condensate Fractionation and Transshipment 
Complex is located at the all-season port of Ust-Luga 
on the Baltic Sea. The Ust-Luga Complex processes 
stable gas condensate into light and heavy naphtha, 
jet fuel, ship fuel component (fuel oil) and gasoil, and 
enables us to ship the value-added petroleum products 
to international markets. The Ust-Luga Complex also 
allows for transshipment of stable gas condensate to 
the export markets.

Unstable gas 
  condensate

Purovsky
Plant

Stabilization 
of gas 
condensate

NGL

Ust-Luga 
Complex
Fractionation and transshipment
of stable gas condensate

Stable gas condensate

SIBUR’s Tobolsk
Petrochemical Complex
Production of marketable LPG

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint28

Natural Gas Sales

In 2018, natural gas sales volumes, including volumes 
of LNG sold, aggregated 72.1 bcm, representing an 
increase of 11% as compared with 2017

40

regions in Russia

66.1 BCM

Total volume of natural gas sales in Russia

Smolensk
Region

Moscow 
and  
Moscow
Region

Tula 
Region

Lipetsk
Region

Vologda

Region

Kostroma

Region

Nizhny

Novgorod

Region

NOVATEK plays an important role in ensuring supplies 
of natural gas to the domestic market. During 2018, the 
Company supplied natural gas to 40 regions of Russia.

Revenues from natural gas sales amounted to RR 
375.2 billion, representing a 51.5% increase compared to 
2017. The revenue increase was mainly driven by start 
of LNG deliveries from the Yamal LNG project and an 
increase in sales prices and volumes in the Russian 
domestic market.

Natural gas sales breakdown on the Russian domestic 
market by customers in 2018, %

Households

Wholesale 
traders, ex-field

2

6

Others

18

45

Power generation 
companies

Large 
industrial 
consumers

29

Natural gas sales, bcm

67.2

62.5

64.7

65.0

72.1

Stavropol
Region

Yamal-Nenets

Autonomous Region

Perm

Territory

Khanty-Mansiysk

Autonomous Region

Tyumen

Region

Chelyabinsk

Region

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

14

Main regions of gas sales

26

Other regions of gas sales

Annual Report 201829

40

regions in Russia

66.1 BCM

Total volume of natural gas sales in Russia

Smolensk

Region

Moscow 

and  

Moscow

Region

Tula 

Region

Lipetsk

Region

Vologda
Region

Kostroma
Region

Nizhny
Novgorod
Region

Yamal-Nenets
Autonomous Region

Perm
Territory

Khanty-Mansiysk
Autonomous Region

Tyumen
Region

Chelyabinsk
Region

Households

Wholesale 

traders, ex-field

2

6

Large 

industrial 

consumers

29

Others

18

45

Power generation 

companies

67.2

62.5

64.7

65.0

72.1

Stavropol

Region

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

14

Main regions of gas sales

26

Other regions of gas sales

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint30

LNG Sales

One of our core commercial marketing priorities is to expand our 
supply geography and grow our presence in the key consuming 
markets. In 2018, we shipped LNG cargos to Europe, the Asian-
Pacific region and Latin America, thus demonstrating the commercial 
viability of delivering cost-competitive LNG around the globe

LNG TRANSPORTATION

The Arc7 ice-class carriers, designed specifically for 
NOVATEK's Arctic projects, enable year-round navigation 
without icebreaker support along westbound navigation 
routes and, eastbound during the Arctic zones seasonal 
navigation period, along the Northern Sea Route

57 LNG CARGOS

sold by NOVATEK in 2018

Isle of 
Grain

Rotterdam

Zeebrugge

Dunkerque

Montoir-de-Bretagne

Milford 
Haven

Bilbao

ARC7 SPECIFICATIONS

Atlantic Ocean

Brazil

Arctic Ocean

Honningsvag

Russia

Yamal LNG

China

India

delivery point

transshipment

CHRISTOPHE DE MARGERIE

LNG tanker capacity

Vessel power

Speed in ice 1.5 m 

The first LNG tanker voyage from the port of 

MCM

170

MWt 

45

KNOTS

KNOTS

19.5

Speed in open 

water

5.5

thick

DAYS

19

Sabetta to China was completed in 19 days as 

compared to 35 days for the conventional route via 

the Suez Canal

Annual Report 201831

Arctic Ocean

Honningsvag

Russia

Yamal LNG

Atlantic Ocean

Brazil

57 LNG CARGOS

sold by NOVATEK in 2018

Isle of 

Grain

Milford 

Haven

Rotterdam

Zeebrugge

Dunkerque

Montoir-de-Bretagne

Bilbao

China

India

delivery point

transshipment

CHRISTOPHE DE MARGERIE

LNG tanker capacity

Vessel power

MCM

170

MWt 

45

19.5

KNOTS

Speed in open 
water

KNOTS

5.5

Speed in ice 1.5 m 
thick

DAYS

19

The first LNG tanker voyage from the port of 
Sabetta to China was completed in 19 days as 
compared to 35 days for the conventional route via 
the Suez Canal

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint32

Liquid Hydrocarbons 
Sales

NOVATEK sells liquid hydrocarbons (stable gas condensate, 
petroleum products, light hydrocarbons, LPG and crude oil) 
domestically and internationally

In 2018, our liquids sales revenues increased to  
RR 450.6 billion, or by 35.6% as compared to 2017

Norway

Estonia

Latvia

United Kingdom

Denmark

Netherlands

Poland

Belarus

Belgium

France

Italy

Spain

Romania

Canada

USA

Liquid hydrocarbons sales, %

Other

Stable gas 
condensate

LPG and light
hydrocarbons

17

<0,1

12

Crude oil

29

42

Ust-Luga 
products

63

16

Naphtha

21

Fuel oil and 
gasoil

Jet fuel

LPG

Stable gas 

condensate

Jet fuel

Gasoil

Heavy naphtha

Light naphtha

Crude oil

Fuel oil

Ust-Luga 

Complex

Purovsky

Plant

Export 

markets

Finland

Sweden

Russia

UAE

Oman

South 

Korea

Japan

China

Taiwan

Malaysia

Singapore

Annual Report 2018MMT

15.8

Liquid hydrocarbons sales volume

33

RR BLN

451

Liquid hydrocarbons sales revenues

LPG

Stable gas 

condensate

Jet fuel

Gasoil

Heavy naphtha

Light naphtha

Crude oil

Fuel oil

Ust-Luga 
Complex

Purovsky
Plant

Export 
markets

Finland

Sweden

Russia

UAE

Oman

South 
Korea

Japan

China

Taiwan

Malaysia

Singapore

United Kingdom

Denmark

Netherlands

Poland

Belarus

Estonia

Latvia

Romania

Norway

Belgium

France

Italy

Spain

Canada

USA

Other

Stable gas 

condensate

LPG and light

hydrocarbons

17

<0,1

12

Crude oil

29

42

Ust-Luga 

products

21

Fuel oil and 

gasoil

63

16

Naphtha

Jet fuel

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint34

Environmental and 
Social Responsibility

%

38

Reduction of injury 
frequency rate

11,119

EMPLOYEES

completed OHS training and 
certification 

%

97.1

APG utilization rate

BIODIVERSITY

ACHIEVEMENTS 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

In 2018, at Yamal LNG 
we carried out a study of 
marine mammals' migration 
routes and an assessment 
of LNG shipping impact 
on their population in the 
northern part of the Ob Bay.

NOVATEK's Arctic Cascade liquefaction 
technology was recognized by the 
Vernadsky National Environmental 
Award in the Innovative Eco-Effective 
Industrial and Energy Technologies 
category. 

NOVATEK, through its subsidiary 
NOVATEK-AZK, is implementing a pilot 
project for the sale of LNG as a motor 
fuel. Converting a vehicle to LNG enables 
a significant reduction of soot and 
carbon monoxide emissions compared to 
conventional fuels.

Environmental expenses in 2018, %

1 1

<1 <1

3

3

4

6

29

52

Protection and use of water resources

Enviromental protection against production 
and consumption waste

Environmental monitoring and evaluation
of the background

Atmospheric air protection and climate 
change

Subsurface protection

Environmental management 

Environmental damage compensation

Soil protection

Other

Measures for the protection of flora and fauna 
and preservation of biodiversity

Annual Report 2018%

23

Reduction of atmospheric emissions

35

RR 
MLN

2,384

Expenses on environment protection and sustainable 
nature management

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint36

As part of the World Football Championship 2018 
youth events, a match between the winning teams of 
the Chelyabinsk and Kostroma championships and the 
team from Italy was held on Moscow's Red Square

A total of 40.5% of white- 
and blue-collar workers 
upgraded their skills in 
2018.

112 young specialists participated in the 
Steps in Discovering Talents Program. We 
had our sixth class.

In September 2018, Moscow hosted the 
13th Interregional Research-to-Practice 
Conference for the Company's young 
specialists attended by 93 employees.

Social expenses for employees, %

Targeted Compensation and Socially 
Important Payments
Health Resort Treatment and Rehabilitation

State Guarantees Support Program

NOVATEK-Veteran Program
Repayable Financial Aid Program

Pension Program

35

Voluntary Medical Insurance

Culture and sports

Others

2

3

6

7

8

13

13

13

Annual Report 201837

13,694

employees at NOVATEK, its subsidiaries and joint 
ventures as of 31 December 2018

1,431

Social program expenses for employees

RR 
MLN

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

For many years, NOVATEK has been developing a 
continuing education program set to bring professionals 
to the Company, which provides opportunities to gifted 
students from the regions where we operate.

Two  Grants programs for schoolchildren and teachers 
from the Purovsky District: in 2018, the Company 
awarded 39 grants to students and 4 teachers received 
grants under this program.

“Gifted Children” program implemented at School 
No. 8 in Novokuybyshevsk, school No. 2 in Tarko-Sale, 
school No. 81 in Tyumen and in 2018, school No. 2 in 
Salekhard joined the program.

In 2018, a new boarding school for 800 children was 
built in Gyda village on the Gydan Peninsula, in one 
of the most remote settlements of the Yamal-Nenets 
Autonomous Region. 

In October 2018, 77 
employees participated 
in the 4th Professional 
Skills Contest among field 
workers of the NOVATEK 
Group. 

The Innovator Corporate Idea 
Management System focuses on 
improving business operations, reduction 
of production costs and implementation 
of new work methods. In 2017 and 2018, 
more than 500 ideas were submitted, 
of which 40 were approved for 
implementation and 24 ideas were 
implemented. They generated an 
economic effect of RR 104.7 bln.

In 2018, NOVATEK and its subsidiaries 
invested RR 2,047 million in projects 
and activities related to the support 
of indigenous peoples, charitable 
contributions, cultural and educational 
programs. 

NOVATEK's personnel structure as of 31.12.18, %

6 1

6

11

18

Exploration and production

Transportation and marketing
Processing

Power supply

Administrative personnel

Ancillary services

58

Projects and activities related to the support of 
indigenous peoples, charitable contributions, cultural and 
educational programs, %

4

11

12

13

26

Cooperation with regions of 
operations, including support 
of indigenous peoples of the 
Far North

34

Sports programs 

Cultural programs and projects

Educational programs 
Other 

Children in desperate need

Targeted Compensation and Socially 

State Guarantees Support Program

Important Payments

Pension Program

Health Resort Treatment and Rehabilitation

NOVATEK-Veteran Program

Repayable Financial Aid Program

Others

35

Voluntary Medical Insurance

Culture and sports

2

3

6

7

8

13

13

13

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint3838

Corporate 
Governance

The Company has established an effective and transparent 
system of corporate governance complying with both Russian 
and international standards. NOVATEK’s supreme governing 
body is the General Meeting of Shareholders. The corporate 
governance system comprises the Board of Directors, the Board 
Committees, and the Management Board, as well as internal 
control and audit bodies and the Corporate Secretary

The Board of Directors Membership

MR. ALEXANDER 
E. NATALENKO

Born in 1946
Chairman of the Board
of Directors
Member of the Strategy
Committee

MR. ANDREI 
I. AKIMOV

Born in 1953
Member of the Strategy
Committee

MR. MICHAEL 
BORRELL

Born in 1962
Member of the Strategy
Committee

Annual Report 2018Independent Board Members

3939

DR. BURCKHARD 
BERGMANN

MR. ROBERT 
CASTAIGNE

Born in 1943
Independent Director
Chairman of the Strategy 
Committee
Member of the Audit Committee
Member of the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee

Born in 1946
Independent Director
Chairman of the Audit 
Committee
Member of the Remuneration
and Nomination Committee 

MR. VICTOR 
P. ORLOV

Born in 1940
Independent Director 
Chairman of the 
Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee
Member of the Audit
Committee

MR. LEONID 
V. MIKHELSON

Born in 1955
Chairman of the Management
Board

MR. GENNADY 
N. TIMCHENKO

Born in 1952
Member of the Strategy
Committee

MR. ARNAUD  
LE FOLL

(from 18.01.2019)
Born in 1978
Member of the Strategy 
Committee 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint40

Review of Operating 
Results

Licenses

NOVATEK’s core fields and license areas are located in the 
Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region. In 2018, we expanded 
the Company's operational footprint and obtained new 
licenses in Russia's Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Gydan Penin-
sula in close proximity to existing license areas of the 
Company as well as offshore licenses located in Monte-
negro and Lebanon.

The Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region (YNAO) is one 
of the world’s largest natural gas producing regions and 
accounts for approximately 80% of Russian natural gas 
production and 15% of global natural gas production. 
The concentration of the Company’s fields in this prolific 
gas-producing region provides favorable opportunities for 
increasing NOVATEK's shareholder value with a minimum 
level of risks, low finding cost, and efficient replacement of 
reserves. With more than 20 years of operational expe-
rience in the region, NOVATEK is in a good position to 
efficiently monetize its resource base.

Exploration and production of hydrocarbons in Russia is 
subject to federal licensing regulations.

As of 31 December 2018, NOVATEK subsidiaries and joint 
ventures held 56 licenses for subsoil use. NOVATEK also 
entered into agreements on exploration and production of 
hydrocarbons on four offshore blocks in Montenegro and 
on two offshore blocks in Lebanon. 

The duration of licenses for the Company's core fields 
exceeds 15 years. In particular, the license for the 
South-Tambeyskoye field is valid until 2045, for the Utren-
neye field – until 2120, for the East-Tarkosalinskoye field – 
until 2043, for the Yurkharovskoye field – until 2034, and 
for the Samburgskiy license area of Arcticgas – until 2034. 

In the reporting year, NOVATEK significantly expanded its 
portfolio of licenses.

In February 2018, NOVATEK won the ALROSA public 
auction, obtaining the subsoil licenses for the Beregovoy 
and Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license area. As of 31 December 
2018, the two license areas had a total of 1,217 mmboe 
of Russian hydrocarbon reserves or 871 mmboe of PRMS 
reserves.

Our subsidiary NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas won the 
auctions for hydrocarbon exploration and production 
licenses for the Payutskiy and South-Leskinskiy license 
areas. The licenses were issued for a term of 27 years. The 
Payutskiy and South-Leskinskiy areas are located within 
the Krasnoyarsk Territory in the vicinity of NOVATEK assets, 
namely the West-Solpatinskiy, North-Tanamskiy, Nyavuy-
akhskiy and Tanamskiy areas in the Gydan Peninsula. 

The Company’s subsidiaries obtained five geological 
study licenses in 2018, which include prospecting and field 
appraisal, in particular, for the geological study of the 
Palkurtoiskiy and Central-Nadoyakhskiy areas and flanks 
of fields being explored, including the Gydanskiy 1, Lader-
toyskiy 1, and Dorogovskiy 1.  

The new acquisitions are estimated to hold a total 
resource potential of 19,872 mmboe.

The Company already holds a vast resource base in the 
Gydan Peninsula, including the Utrenneye, Geofizich-
eskoye, and Gydanskoye fields and a set of prospective 
license areas. With new licenses, NOVATEK is accumu-
lating its vast hydrocarbon resource base in the peninsula 
and, accordingly is in a position to consider significant 
long-term projects to increase its hydrocarbon production 
output.

NOVATEK strives to strictly observe all of its license obli-
gations and conducts continuous monitoring of license 
tenders in order to expand its resource base in strategi-
cally important regions.

Hydrocarbon Reserves

Most of the Company’s reserves are located onshore or 
can be developed from onshore locations and are attrib-
uted to the conventional hydrocarbon categories (capable 
of being exploited using conventional technologies, in 
contrast to unconventional gas deposits such as shale 
gas or coal-bed methane). 

DeGolyer and MacNaughton, an independent petroleum 
engineers firm, estimates the Company’s reserves on an 
annual basis under both the SEC and PRMS reserves 
reporting standards. 

Annual Report 201841

As of 31 December 2018, NOVATEK’s SEC proved reserves, 
including the Company’s proportionate share in joint 
ventures, aggregated 15,789 million barrels of oil equiv-
alent (mmboe), including 2,177 bcm of natural gas and 
181 mmt of liquid hydrocarbons. The Company’s proved 
reserves grew by 4%, and the reserve replacement ratio 
stood at 222%. At year-end 2018, the Company’s reserve 
to production ratio (or R/P ratio) was 29 years.

As of 31 December 2018, the Company’s total PRMS 
proved and probable reserves, including the Compa-
ny’s proportionate share in joint ventures, aggregated 
29,619 mmboe, including 4,021 bcm of natural gas and 
387 mmt of liquid hydrocarbons, with a total R/P ratio of 
54 years.

The Company’s reserves trend in 2018 was positively 
impacted by successful exploration at the Utrenneye, 
Urengoyskoye (Samburgskiy license area) and Yarud-
eyskoye fields, production drilling at the South-Tam-
beyskoye, North-Russkoye and Yaro-Yakhinskoye fields, 
as well as the acquisition of new assets (Beregovoye field 
and Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license area). Excluding the effect 
of obtaining new licenses, the organic reserve replace-
ment rate was 121% due to successful exploration and 
field development.

The high quality of the reserve base enables NOVATEK to 
maintain its position as one of the lowest cost producers 
in the global oil and gas industry. Our average 2018 and 
five-year (2014-2018) proved reserve replacement costs 
amounted to RR 87 (USD 1.4) per boe and RR 83 (USD 
1.5) per boe, respectively.

Geological Exploration 

NOVATEK aims to expand its resource base through 
geological exploration at fields and license areas not only 
in close proximity to existing transportation and produc-
tion infrastructure, but also in new potentially prospec-
tive hydrocarbon areas. The Company ensures the 
efficiency of geological exploration work by deploying 
state-of-the-art technologies and relying on the expe-
rience and expertise of the specialists in its geology 
department, and the Company’s Scientific and Technical 
Center located in Tyumen.

The Company uses a systematic and comprehensive 
approach to exploration and development of its fields 
and license areas, from the collection and interpreta-
tion of seismic data to the creation of dynamic field 
models for the placement of exploration and production 

SEC proved reserves as of 31 December 2018 (based on the Company’s equity ownership interest in joint ventures) and 
duration of licenses

Field / license area 

Ownership

Duration  
of license

Natural gas  
reserves, bcm

Liquids reserves, 
mmt

Total reserves

South-Tambeyskoye

Utrenneye

Yurkharovskoye

Urengoyskoye (Arcticgas)

Verkhnetiuteyskoye + 
West-Seyakhinskoye

Geofizicheskoye

East-Tarkosalinskoye

Yaro-Yakhinskoye 

North-Urengoyskoye

North-Russkoe

Urengoyskoye 
(Ust-Yamsoveyskiy LA)

Beregovoy

Kharbeyskoye

 – 

50.1%   
(59.97% of reserves)

100%

100%

50%

100%

100%

100%

50%

50%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 – 

2045

2120

2034

2034

2044

2034

2043

2034

2038

2031

2024

2070

2036

2,177

424

417

192

183

157

129

93

72

64

60

52

43

42

181

14

15

7

45

2

0.4

22

13

5

3

5

3

6

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint42

Table continued

Field / license area 

Ownership

Gydanskiy

North-Chaselskoye

Olimpiyskiy

West-Yaroyakhinskiy

Samburgskoye

East-Tazovskoye

Termokarstovoye

Khancheyskoye

Yarudeyskoye

Others

Duration  
of license

2044

100%

50%

lifetime of the field

100%

100%

50%

100%

51%

100%

51% (100% of 
reserves)

-

2059

2025

2034

2033

2097

2044

2029

-

Natural gas  
reserves, bcm

Liquids reserves, 
mmt

39

27

26

24

22

18

16

15

14

48

-

1

2

3

2

3

4

1

21

4

wells. We employ modern geological and hydrodynamic 
modeling as well as new well drilling and completion 
techniques to maximize the ultimate recovery of hydro-
carbons in a cost effective and environmentally prudent 
manner. 

In 2018, NOVATEK continued exploration on the Yamal 
and Gydan peninsulas to expand the resource base of 
LNG projects. 

With a prospecting well drilled in the shallow waters of 
the Ob Bay we discovered the North-Obskoye field. This 
discovery represented the world’s largest standalone 
gas condensate field find in 2018*. Aggregate reserves 
of natural gas and condensate approved by the State 
Reserves Commission according to the Russian reserves 
classification amounted to 322 bcm and 16 mmt, respec-
tively. 

With the testing of a prospecting well at the Utrenneye 
field, we discovered two new gas condensate deposits 
and confirmed the commercial productivity of the field’s 
Middle Jurassic layers. Total natural gas reserves in the 
newly discovered deposits within the Utrenniy license 
area held by Arctic LNG 2 amounted to 405 bcm of 
natural gas and 40 mmt of gas condensate. Taking into 
account these new deposits, the field’s total reserves 
amount to around 2 trillion cubic meters of natural gas 
and 105 mmt of liquids. The reserves were approved by 
the State Reserves Commission. By adding new deposits 
we improve the field's resource potential and open up 
additional prospects in the execution of Arctic LNG 2.

An exploration well drilled to the Jurassic layers at the 
South-Tambeyskoye field showed a significant flow with 

430 mcm/day of gas and 81 tons/day (743 barrels/day) 
of stable condensate. The estimated reserves based 
on the Jurassic layers will be submitted to the State 
Reserves Commission for a formal expert review in 2019.

A prospecting well in the Nyakhartinskiy license area 
tested a commercial flow with 160 mcm/day of gas and 
109 tons/day (938 barrels/day) of gas condensate. This 
field is geographically next to the well-developed infra-
structure of the Yurkharovskoye field and is an impor-
tant discovery for NOVATEK to maintain its production 
levels within the UGSS. The reserves will be submitted 
for expert review by the State Reserves Commission in 
2019.

We have commenced an active exploration program at 
the Gydanskoye field. An initial prospecting well discov-
ered significant oil and gas potential in the Achimov 
deposits.

In 2018, we continuted 3D seismic exploration at the 
Gydanskiy, North-Obskiy, West-Solpatinskiy, Verkhne-
teuteyskiy, and West-Seyakhinskiy license areas located 
on the Yamal and Gydan pensisulas.

In order to maintain pipeline gas production levels and 
unstable gas condensate volumes sent to the Purovsky 
Plant, we continued exploration in the fields and license 
areas within the Nadym-Pur-Taz district located in the 
YNAO. 

At the Yurkharovskoye field, a well was drilled to further 
explore lower Jurassic deposits, which confirmed the 
commercial productivity of the Jurassic gas condensate 
formations. We are preparing to test the well in 2019.

*  Data provided by international energy research firms Wood Mackenzie, Rystad Energy.

Annual Report 2018Geological Exploration

2D seismic

Subsidiaries

Joint ventures

3D seismic

Subsidiaries

Joint ventures

Exploration drilling

Subsidiaries

Joint ventures

43

Change

n/a

n/a

225%

263%

39%

47%

50%

42%

Units

2017

linear km

linear km

linear km

-

-

-

square km

1,465

square km

square km

'000 m

'000 m

'000 m

1,215

250

24.5

16.2

8.3

2018

2,926

2,926

-

4,759

4,412

347

36.1

24.3

11.8

In the North-Russkoye, Kharbeyskoye and Dorogov-
skoye license areas (collectively referred to as the 
“North-Russkoye cluster”), three prospecting wells were 
drilled to confirm oil and gas potential and to define 
commercial productivity, a prerequisite required to 
prepare the fields for development. 

In the Samburgskiy license area, the successful explor-
atory drilling confirmed productivity of the Achimov 
layers, where a commercial flow of gas condensate at 
testing of wells was received. Seismic data and drilling 
results indicated the prospects for new discoveries in 
the drilled layers as well as deeper horizons.

The well testing for the Jurassic layers at the Yarud-
eyskoye field showed a commercial flow with 206 mcm/
day of gas and 19 tons/day (162 barrels/day) of gas 
condensate. 

In the reporting year, we shot 2,926 linear km of 2D 
seismic and 4,759 square km of 3D seismic works, as 
well as drilled a total of 36,100 meters of prospecting 
and exploration wells. 

The successful exploration works contributed 989 bcm 
of gas and 61 mmt of liquids to NOVATEK’s reserves 
under the Russian reserves classification, as well as 
164 bcm of gas and 34 mmt of liquids to our PRMS 
reserves.

Field Development

In 2018, NOVATEK continued development activities at 
our producing and prospective fields. In the reporting 

year, the Company's subsidiaries invested RR 47.6 bln in 
resource base development. 

Production drilling in 2018, including production drilling at 
our joint ventures, reached 446,000 meters, representing 
a 70% increase over 2017. Our drilling activities were 
mainly driven by the development of the Yaro-Yakhin-
skoye, North-Obskoye, East-Tarkosalinskoye, North-Uren-
goyskoye, East-Tazovskoye and Samburgskoye fields.

A total of 67 production wells, including 40 natural gas 
and gas condensate and 27 oil wells, were completed and 
commissioned during the year.

NEW FACILITIES COMMISSIONED AT PRODUCING 
FIELDS

In 2018, at the North-Russkoye field, we continued the 
construction of gas and condensate pipeline links with 
diameters of 820 mm and 273 mm, and started the 
construction of the pipeline crossing under the Taz river. 
Construction activities were ongoing on the gas treat-
ment facility, booster compressor station, auxiliary build-
ings and living camp.

On the crude oil part of the Yaro-Yakhinskoye field, an oil 
treatment facility with a capacity of 1.4 mmtpa with a oil 
delivery point, an external crude oil pipeline 57 km long, 
well pads and oil and gas gathering systems were built 
and commissioned into operation.

Ten new well pads have been put into operation at the 
Yarudeyskoye field. Construction has been completed and 
a 40-km road from the Nadym-Salekhard Federal road to 
the Yarudeyskoye field has been put into operation.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint44

Hydrocarbon production (including share in production by joint ventures)

Total

Gas

Liquid hydrocarbons

Units

mmboe

mmcm

mmboe

mt

mmboe

2017

513.3

63,399

414.6

11,774

98.7

2018

549.1

68,806

450.0

11,800

99.1

Change

7.0%

8.5%

0.2%

Hydrocarbon production (including share in production by joint ventures)

Total

NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas’ fields 
(100%)

NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas’ fields 
(100%)

Arcticgas’ fields (50%, before 
21.03.2018 - 53.3%)

South-Tambeyskoye (59.97%) 

North-Urengoyskoye (50%)

Termokarstovoye (51%)

Yarudeyskoye (100%)

Others

Gas, mmcm

Change

Liquids, mt

Change

2017

2018

63,399

68,806

30,540

27,745

8.5%

(9.2%)

2017

11,774

1,489

2018

11,800

0.2%

1,264

(15.1%)

11,082

10,069

(9.1%)

1,665

1,661

(0.2%)

13,964

13,698

(1.9%)

4,190

3,999

(4.6%)

776

4,291

1,255

1,362

129

8,213

 3,789

1,246

1,500

2,546

n/a

(11.7%)

(0.7%)

10.1%

n/a

25

379

421

3,596

9

542

310

403

3,439

182

n/a

(18.2%)

(4.3%)

(4.4%)

n/a

Hydrocarbon Production

In 2018, NOVATEK produced commercial hydrocarbons 
at 18 fields. The Company’s production (including attrib-
utable share in the production of JV’s) amounted to 
549.1 mmboe, up 7.0% compared with 2017. The produc-
tion increase was due to LNG production growth at the 
Yamal LNG, as well as the acquisition of new production 
fields at the end of 2017 and in the first quarter of 2018 
(Beregovoy, West-Yaroyakhinskiy and Syskonsynyinskiy 
license areas). The production volumes at mature fields of 
our subsidiaries and joint ventures decreased mainly due 
to natural declines in the reservoir pressure at the current 
gas-producing horizons. 

Total natural gas production including the Company’s 
share in production of joint ventures aggregated 68.81 
bcm, representing approximately 82.0% of our total 
hydrocarbon output. The share of gas produced from the 
gas condensate bearing layers (or “wet gas”) in proportion 
to total gas production was 77.6%. Production of natural 
gas increased by 8.5% as compared to 2017 volumes. 

Production of liquid hydrocarbons including the Compa-
ny’s share in production of joint ventures totaled 
11,800 thousand tons, of which 59.3% was gas conden-
sate and the remaining 40.7% consisted of crude oil. 
Production of liquid hydrocarbons increased by 0.2% 
as compared to 2017, with gas condensate production 
amounting to 7,001 thousand tons and crude oil produc-
tion coming to 4,799 thousand tons. 

In 2018, we continued to achieve some of the lowest 
lifting costs in the industry. The Company’s lifting costs 
were RR 38.5 (USD 0.61) per boe in 2018. 

LNG Projects

YAMAL LNG PROJECT

Yamal LNG is an integrated project for the extraction, 
liquefaction and sale of natural gas. OAO Yamal LNG is 
the operator and the owner of all the assets. As of the 
end of 2018, the shareholder structure of Yamal LNG was 

Annual Report 201845

Yamal LNG project. Loading of LNG tanker

as follows: NOVATEK – 50.1%, TOTAL – 20%, CNPC – 
20%, and the Silk Road Fund – 9.9%.

Yamal LNG was constructed and commissioned ahead 
of schedule and on budget, an unprecedented accom-
plishment in the global oil and gas industry. The 
commissioning of the second and third LNG trains were 
executed ahead of the initial schedule by 6 months and 
by more than a year, respectively. The first liquefaction 
train started production in 4Q 2017, whereas LNG trains 
2 and 3 became operational in July and November 2018, 
respectively, and the Yamal LNG project reached its full 
operational capacity as early as December 2018. 

The aggregate design capacity of the three LNG trains 
amounted to 16.5 mmtpa of LNG, or 5.5 mmtpa per train. 
We plan to construct a fourth LNG train with the design 
capacity of 0.9 mmtpa, utilizing the Arctic Cascade lique-
faction technology patented by NOVATEK. 

In 2018, Yamal LNG shipped 113 LNG cargos (8.4 mmt) 
and 30 cargos of stable gas condensate (717 mt). 

The South-Tambeyskoye field located in the North-
East of the Yamal Peninsula is the resource base of the 
Project. The field is being developed with horizontal wells 
with total drilled lengths up to 5,000 meters and hori-
zontal sections of up to 1,500 meters. 

The license for exploration and production of hydro-
carbons at the South-Tambeyskoye field held by Yamal 
LNG is valid until 2045.

As of 31 December 2018, the field's SEC proved reserves 
amounted to 707 bcm of natural gas and 24 mmt 
of liquid hydrocarbons. In terms of proved reserves, 
the South-Tambeyskoye field is the largest field in 
NOVATEK’s portfolio. In 2018, the production drilling 
results increased the proved reserves at the field by 38 
bcm of natural gas and 4 mmt of liquid hydrocarbons 
under the SEC reserves methodology, including produc-
tion. According to the PRMS standards, the proved and 
probable reserves of the South-Tambeyskoye field as of 
the end of 2018 amounted to 1,002 bcm of natural gas 
and 37 mmt of liquid hydrocarbons.

The field’s production capacity exceeds 27 bcm of 
natural gas and 1 mmt of stable gas condensate per 
annum. 

A new fleet of LNG tankers designated as Arc7 ice class 
LNG carriers were specifically designed for the Yamal 
LNG project capable of navigating the Northern Sea 
Route (NSR) without icebreaker support all year round 
(westbound) and throughout the summer-autumn navi-
gation period (eastbound). As of the end of 2018, eight 
of the fifteen Arc7 ice-class carriers were in operation.  

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint46

LNG 
CARGOS

113

MMTPA

19.8

and 30 cargos of stable gas condensate were 
shipped from Yamal LNG in 2018

Total design capacity of three LNG trains of 
Arctic LNG 2

In November 2018, we started ship-to-ship LNG trans-
shipment operations in the vicinity of the port of 
Honningsvag in northern Norway in order to optimize 
transportation costs, shorten the travel distance for the 
Arc7 ice-class carriers and ensure timely loading and 
offtake of LNG production. The LNG is transshipped from 
the Arc7 ice class carriers to conventional LNG carriers 
delivering the cargos to the customers.

Yamal LNG inaugurated the 2018 summer navigation 
period along the NSR by delivering the first LNG cargos 
destined to China. These voyages represented the 
first shipment of Russian LNG along the NSR without 
icebreaker support. Moreover, they marked the start of 
regular LNG shipments via the NSR, which were only 
made possible by the unique ice-breaking characteristics 
of Arc7 carriers. The inaugural voyage from the port of 
Sabetta through the NSR to the destination port was 
completed in 19 days as compared to 35 days for the 
conventional route via the Suez Canal.

ARCTIC LNG 2 PROJECT 

Arctic LNG 2 is the second LNG project of NOVATEK. The 
project includes the construction of three LNG trains, 
with a design capacity of 6.6 mmtpa of LNG each, or a 
total of 19.8 mmpta, and at least 1.6 mmtpa of stable gas 
condensate. The project employs an innovative construc-
tion concept using gravity-based structures (GBS). OOO 
Arctic LNG 2 is the operator and owner of all the assets. 

The Utrenneye field is the resource base for Arctic LNG 
2. The field is located on the Gydan Peninsula in YNAO 
approximately 70 km across the Ob Bay from Yamal 
LNG. In 2018, the boundaries of the license area were 
expanded, and gas condensate deposits of the field's 
southern flank were included in the area. The license term 
was extended until 2120.

In 2018, the Utrenneye field exploration drilling discov-
ered two new deposits and confirmed the commercial 
productivity of the Middle Jurassic layers. The discov-
ered deposits hold total reserves of 405 bcm of natural 
gas and 40 mmt of gas condensate under the Russian 
reserves classification. As of 31 December 2018, the Utren-
neye field’s reserves under the Russian reserves classifi-
cation totaled 1,978 bcm of natural gas and 105 mmt of 
liquids. OOO Arctic LNG 2 holds the LNG export license.

In 2018, we completed the front end engineering design 
(FEED) and started site preparation, construction of 
early phase power supply facilities, production wells 
drilling and berth construction. 

The GBS design concept as well as extensive locali-
zation of equipment and materials manufacturing in 
Russia will considerably decrease the capital cost per 
ton of LNG produced, ensuring the project’s low cost 
structure and increasing its competitive advantages.

NOVATEK will build the LNG Construction Center in 
Belokamenka near Murmansk to provide fabrication 
of the GBS, assembly and installation of topside 
modules. The LNG Construction Center will comprise 
two dry docks to build GBS and facilities to manufac-
ture topside modules. This new facility will establish 
a state-of-the-art LNG platform in Russia, create 
new jobs in engineering and production, and also 
contribute to regional economic development as well 
as manufacturing and equipment orders throughout 
Russia.

In December 2018, Arctic LNG 2 signed an agreement 
on the design and construction of three GBS platforms, 
with the Russian company SAREN, a joint venture of 
Renaissance Heavy Industries Russia (RHI Russia B.V.) 
and SAIPEM S.p.A of Italy. 

In December, a contract was also signed with Nuovo 
Pignone (Italy) for the supply of gas turbine compres-
sors and gas turbine power generators for three lique-
faction trains.

In May 2018, NOVATEK and TOTAL agreed in principle 
on the entry into the Arctic LNG 2 providing for a 
purchase by TOTAL of a 10% participating interest in 
the project. The deal was closed in March 2019.

CRYOGAS-VYSOTSK PROJECT

One of our LNG strategic initiatives is to develop small- 
to medium-scale LNG projects. This approach allows 
us to build effective marketing channels to sell our 
products on different markets. We see vast prospects in 
using LNG as marine fuel and motor fuel to substitute 
for diesel and fuel oil, that will contribute to decreasing 
emissions and improving the environment.

Annual Report 201847

MTPA

1,978

of natural gas and 105 mmt of liquids - 

BCM 660

Initial design capacity of Cryogas-Vysotsk, 
our first medium-scale LNG project

the Utrenneye field’s reserves under the Russian 
reserves classification as of 31 December 2018

In July 2017, NOVATEK acquired a 51% participation 
interest in the Cryogas-Vysotsk project including 
construction of an LNG production facility and a trans-
shipment terminal.

Cryogas-Vysotsk, located in the port of Vysotsk, the 
Leningrad Region, is our first medium-scale LNG project 
with an initial design capacity of 660 mtpa. As of 
year-end 2018, most of the plant construction works 
were completed and equipment commissioning was in 
progress.

The project infrastructure includes two LNG trains with 
a capacity of 330 mtpa each, a 42-mcm LNG storage 
tank and an offloading terminal designed to handle LNG 
carriers with a capacity of up to 30 mcm. 

In 2018, NOVATEK and Fluxys established a joint venture 
to design, build, finance, own and operate a medi-
um-scale LNG transshipment terminal with a capacity 
of about 300 mtpa in the port of Rostock, Germany. The 
transshipment terminal will receive LNG carriers from 
the Cryogas-Vysotsk liquefaction facility and further 
LNG deliveries to the consumer market will be made 
via trucks. It will also have an option of bunkering and 
loading of bunkering vessels.

Processing of Gas Condensate

PUROVSKY PLANT

Our subsidiaries and joint ventures are producing wet 
gas, a mixture of natural gas and gas condensate. After 
being separated and de-ethanized at the field, the main 
part of unstable (de-ethanized) gas condensate is deliv-
ered via a system of condensate pipelines owned and 
operated by the Company for further stabilization at our 
Purovsky Plant located in the YNAO in close proximity to 
the East-Tarkosalinskoye field. 

In the reporting period, the Purovsky Plant processed 
11,018 mt of de-ethanized gas condensate, representing a 
3.7% decrease compared to 2017. The processing capacity 
of the Purovsky Plant is in line with the total production 
capacity of NOVATEK and its joint ventures' fields. The 
2018 output mix included 8,501 mt of stable gas conden-
sate, 2,452 mt of NGL and LPG and 15.0 mt of regener-
ated methanol. 

The Purovsky Plant is connected via its own railway line 
to the Russian rail network at the Limbey rail station. 
Subsequent to the launch of the Ust-Luga Complex 
in 2013, most of the stable gas condensate volumes 
produced at the Purovsky Plant are delivered by rail 
to Ust-Luga for further processing or transshipment 
to exports, with the remaining volume of stable gas 
condensate sold directly from the plant to the domestic 
market.  

All of the NGL volumes (feedstock for LPG produc-
tion) produced at the plant are delivered by pipeline 
to SIBUR’s Tobolsk Petrochemical Complex for further 
processing.

UST-LUGA COMPLEX

The Gas Condensate Fractionation and Transship-
ment Complex (the “Ust-Luga Complex”) is located at 
the all-season port of Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea. The 
Ust-Luga Complex processes stable gas condensate into 
light and heavy naphtha, jet fuel, ship fuel component 
(fuel oil) and gasoil, and enables us to ship the value-
added petroleum products to international markets. 
The Ust-Luga Complex also allows for transshipment 
of stable gas condensate to the export markets. After 
launching in 2013, the complex also allowed us to 
improve logistics and reduce transportation costs due 
to a more favorable geographical location of Ust-Luga 
compared to the port of Vitino, through which we had 
previously exported our stable gas condensate.

The Purovsky Plant is the central element in our verti-
cally integrated value chain that provides us complete 
operational control over our processing needs and access 
to higher yielding marketing channels for our stable gas 
condensate. The Purovsky Plant processes unstable gas 
condensate into stable gas condensate and natural gas 
liquids (NGL).

In the reporting year, the Ust-Luga Complex processed 
6,949 mt of stable gas condensate into 6,807 mt of end 
products, including 4,244 mt of light and heavy naphtha, 
1,087 mt of jet fuel and 1,476 mt of ship fuel compo-
nent (fuel oil) and gasoil. The Ust-Luga Complex will 
commence constructing a hydrocracker unit in 2019 that 
will eventually reduce the fuel oil and gasoil component 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint48

into higher grade petroleum products. We expect this 
new upgrading unit will be commissioned in 2020.

increase was mainly driven by the start of LNG deliveries 
from the Yamal LNG project and an increase in sales 
prices and volumes in the Russian domestic market.

High value-added petroleum products produced at the 
Ust-Luga Complex have a significant positive impact on 
the profitability of our liquid hydrocarbons sales and the 
Company’s cash flow generation.

As the Ust-Luga Complex reached full processing 
capacity we transshipped stable gas condensate to the 
export markets by sea.

Natural Gas Sales

NOVATEK sells natural gas within the Russian Federa-
tion as well as exports natural gas in the form of LNG. 
The Company started exporting LNG in December 2017 
when the first train at the Yamal LNG project started 
production. In addition, on the European market we 
sell regasified liquefied natural gas arising during the 
transshipment of LNG (boil-off gas), as well as during 
the regasification of purchased LNG at our own regasifi-
cation stations in Poland.

In 2018, natural gas sales volumes, including volumes 
of LNG sold, aggregated 72.13 bcm, representing an 
increase of 11% as compared with 2017. Revenues from 
natural gas sales amounted to RR 375.2 billion, repre-
senting a 51.5% increase compared to 2017. The revenue 

SALES IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

In 2018, the total volume of natural gas sales in the 
Russian Federation amounted to 66.07 bcm, increasing 
by 1.8% compared to the previous year.

NOVATEK plays an important role in ensuring supplies 
of natural gas to the domestic market. During 2018, 
the Company supplied natural gas to 40 regions of the 
Russian Federation. Our end customers and traders were 
located primarily in the following regions: the Chelyab-
insk Region, the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region, 
Moscow and Moscow region, YNAO, Lipetsk, Tyumen, 
Vologda, Stavropol, Nizhny Novgorod, Smolensk, Tula 
and Kostroma regions and Perm Territory. The above 
regions accounted for more than 92% of our total gas 
sales in the Russian Federation.

In order to manage seasonal gas demand, NOVATEK has 
entered into an agreement with Gazprom for under-
ground storage services. Natural gas inventories are 
accumulated during warmer periods when demand is 
lower and then used to meet increased demand during 
periods of colder weather. At year-end 2018, our inven-
tories of natural gas, including LNG, amounted to 
approximately 2.2 bcm. 

Processing volumes and output of the Purovsky Plant, mt

Processing of de-ethanized condensate

Output

Stable gas condensate

NGL and LPG

Regenerated methanol

Processing volumes and output of the Ust-Luga Complex, mt

Stable gas condensate processing

Output

Heavy naphtha

Light naphtha

Jet fuel

Ship fuel component (fuel oil)

Gasoil

2017

11,445

8,853

2,493

16.5

2017

6,961

2,261

1,962

1,072

967

564

2018

11,017 

8,501

2,452

15.0

2018

6,949

2,247

1,997

1,087

843

633

Change

(3.7%)

(4.0%) 

(1.6%) 

(9.1%) 

Change

(0.2%) 

(0.6%) 

1.8%

1.4%

(12.8%) 

12.2%

Annual Report 201849

NOVATEK, through its subsidiary NOVATEK-AZK, is 
implementing a pilot project for the sale of LNG as a 
motor fuel.

Together with industrial and commercial enterprises of 
the Chelyabinsk region, we have converted a number 
of pilot automotive vehicles (haul trucks and highway 
trucks) to the dual-fuel mode (LNG + diesel). In 2018, the 
preliminary testing results of these vehicle types were 
positive. Together with Chelyabinsk transport companies, 
we started trial operation of buses using LNG as a motor 
fuel. Two mobile refueling units were launched to refuel 
haul trucks, highway trucks and public transport in the 
Chelyabinsk region.

SALES ON INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

The successful start of LNG sales on international 
markets confirms NOVATEK’s transformation into a 
global gas company. Yamal LNG is currently the largest 
LNG project in Russia with an aggregate share of about 
five percent of the global LNG market.

In 2018, we sold 6.06 bcm of LNG (4.0 mmt) or 57 cargos. 
In 2017, LNG sales amounted to 0.1 bcm due to the 
start of LNG shipments from the Yamal LNG project on 
8 December 2017.

of delivery via the traditional eastern route via the 
Suez Canal. NOVATEK began using the NSR in 2010, 
by successfully supplying large-capacity tankers with 
liquid hydrocarbons to the Asia-Pacific region. The 
Company has now become a pioneer in supplying 
Russian LNG along this important navigational route. 
This first LNG shipment opened a new era in the supply 
of Russian LNG to the growing energy consuming 
markets of the Asia-Pacific region. The NSR ensures 
shorter transportation time and lower costs, playing 
a key role in developing our hydrocarbon fields on the 
Yamal and Gydan peninsulas.

Liquid Hydrocarbons Sales 

NOVATEK sells liquid hydrocarbons (stable gas conden-
sate, petroleum products, light hydrocarbons, LPG and 
crude oil) domestically and internationally. The Company 
strives to respond quickly to changing market conditions 
by optimizing the customer base and supply geography, 
as well as developing and maintaining logistics infra-
structure.

In 2018, the liquids sales volume reached 15,822 mt, or 
0.7% less than in 2017. In 2018, export sales decreased by 
0.3% as compared to 2017 and amounted to 8,997 mt.

One of our core commercial marketing priorities is to 
expand our supply geography and grow our presence 
in the key consuming markets. In the reporting year, we 
shipped LNG cargos to Europe, the Asia-Pacific region 
and Latin America, thus demonstrating the commercial 
viability of delivering cost-competitive LNG around the 
globe.

In June 2018, Yamal LNG shipped the first cargo of LNG 
under a long-term offtake agreement with Gas Natural 
Fenosa, a Spanish company. This represented the first 
Russian gas delivered under a long-term contract to 
Spain, where Russian pipeline gas is not supplied.

In July, we shipped our first cargos to China via the 
NSR in just 19 days (one way) compared to 35 days 

In 2018, our liquids sales revenues increased to RR 
450.6 billion, or by 35.6% as compared to 2017, mainly 
driven by higher global benchmark prices.

High-value added petroleum products from the 
Ust-Luga Complex accounted for a 42% share of 
our overall liquids sales volumes. We sold a total of 
6,683 mt of stable gas condensate products, including 
4,185 mt of naphtha, 1,082 mt of jet fuel and 1,416 mt of 
fuel oil and gasoil. The majority of petroleum products 
(98%) were exported. Export volumes were distributed 
as follows: Europe – 55.1%, Asia-Pacific – 32.2%, North 
America – 10.4% and the Middle East - 2.3%. Most of 
our heavy naphtha was exported to Asia-Pacific, light 
naphtha – to Northwest Europe and North America, jet 
fuel, gasoil and fuel oil – to Northwest Europe. 

Natural gas sales, mmcm

Total gas sales

International sales

Sales within the Russian Federation, including:

• 

   End customers

• 

   Traders

Share of end customers in domestic gas sales

2017

65,004

106 

64,898

61,560

3,338

94.9%

2018

72,134

6,061

66,073

61,901

4,172

93.7%

Change

11.0%

n/a

1.8%

0.6%

25.0%

(1.2 p.p.)

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint50

BCM 

6.1

of LNG sold in 2018

375.2

RR 
BLN

Natural gas sales revenues, 51.5% growth as compared 
with 2017

Export and domestic sales of stable gas condensate 
continued in 2018. Condensate was sold to international 
markets, including purchased volumes from Yamal LNG. 
Total stable gas condensate sales volumes amounted 
to 1,908 mt, representing a 0.5% decrease compared to 
2017.

A portion of light hydrocarbons produced at the 
Purovsky Plant is processed on tolling terms at SIBUR’s 
Tobolsk Petrochemical Complex into marketable LPG, 
which is then delivered to NOVATEK’s customer base, 
while the rest of the light hydrocarbons volumes are sold 
to SIBUR. We sold 1,248 mt of light hydrocarbons in 2018.  

LPG trading company in Poland, sold all of our LPG 
export volumes.

In the domestic market, our LPG is sold through large 
wholesale channels as well as through our retail 
network and small wholesale stations. In 2018, large 
wholesale supplies to the domestic market stood at 
688 mt, representing 82% of domestic LPG sales. We 
also sold LPG via our retail network of 68 stations 
and seven small wholesale stations in the Chelyab-
insk, Volgograd, Rostov and Astrakhan regions. The 
combined sales from our retail and wholesale stations 
totaled 146 mt.  

Marketable LPG sales volumes totaled 1,428 mt in 2018, 
representing a 5% increase compared to 2017. LPG export 
sales volumes amounted to 593 mt or 42% of the total 
LPG sales volumes. Novatek Polska, our wholly owned 

Sales of crude oil in 2018 totaled 4,542 mt, which is 1.6% 
lower compared with 2017. We sold 66% of our crude 
oil volumes in the domestic market, with the remaining 
volumes exported to international markets.

Liquid hydrocarbons sales, mt

Total

Petroleum products (Ust-Luga)

Crude oil

Stable gas condensate

Light hydrocarbons

LPG

Other

2017

15,939

6,743

4,616

1,918

1,288

1,360

14

2018

15,822

6,683

4,542

1,908

1,248

1,428

13

Change

(0.7%) 

(0.9%) 

(1.6%) 

(0.5%) 

(3.1%) 

5.0%

(7.1%) 

Annual Report 201851

MMT

RR 

BLN 15.8

Liquids sales volume 

450.6

Liquids sales revenues,  
35.6% growth as compared with 2017

Yamal LNG

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint52

Environmental and 
Social Responsibility

NOVATEK adheres to the principles of effective and responsible business 
conduct and considers the welfare of its employees and their families, 
environmental and industrial safety, the creation of a stable and beneficial 
social environment as well as contributing to Russia’s overall economic 
development as priorities and responsibilities of the Company.

Environmental Protection

NOVATEK’s core producing assets are located in the 
Far North, a harsh Arctic region with vast mineral 
resources and a fragile and vulnerable environment. Тhe 
Company is committed to environmental protection in 
its operations. In 2018, the Company's overall expenses 
on environmental protection and sustainable nature 
management amounted to RR 2.4 bln.

We would like to highlight the most significant actions in 
environmental protection and sustainable management 
in 2018.

The Company built a sewage and water-methanol 
mixture thermal disinfection unit at the Purovsky 
Condensate Processing Plant. In terms of pollutants 
content in effluents, this unit uses state-of-the-
art technologies and meets the stringent Russian 
requirements for air protection.

The Yamal LNG plant completed and commissioned 
the treatment facilities for stormwater and residential 
sewage. The wastewater is treated to meet regulatory 
statutory norms and then once treated is discharged 
into the Ob Bay basin. The treatment process employs 
mechanical, biological, physical and chemical methods. 
Treated wastewater is disinfected with ultraviolet 
irradiation. Chemically and oil contaminated industrial 
effluents are treated in the treatment plant that brings 
it in line with quality standards thus enabling injecting 
them into absorbing formations. Before being injected, 
the wastewater undergoes separation, two-stage 
flotation and post-treatment in a pressure sand filter.

NOVATEK is an active contributor to the national 
objective of converting vehicles to using natural gas as 
fuel. The Company is developing the market segment for 
natural gas as a motor fuel by expanding the network 
of its natural gas retail stations in various Russian 

regions. We launched a new business area, namely the 
construction of LNG retail stations and the subsequent 
use of LNG as an environmentally friendly motor fuel. 
Converting a vehicle to LNG enables the reduction of 
soot and carbon monoxide emissions by more than three 
times compared to conventional fuels (gasoline and 
diesel).

We drilled our first offshore prospecting well in shallow 
waters strictly adhering to the stringent environmental 
standards for activities within the Russian Federation 
inland seas. We developed an Accidental Spill Response 
Plan and an environmental monitoring program for the 
North-Obskiy license area. Regular water monitoring 
in the Ob Bay of the Kara Sea demonstrated that its 
hydrochemical and organoleptic properties are in line 
with the statutory standards. Environmental safety was 
ensured by multi-purpose emergency response and 
rescue vessels. Drill cuttings were transported to the port 
of Sabetta to be further disposed of in an eco-friendly 
manner. 

In Yamal LNG, we carried out a study of marine mammals' 
migration routes and an assessment of LNG shipping 
impact on their population in the northern part of the Ob 
Bay and in the southern part of the Kara Sea, including 
aerial monitoring of their headcount and analysis of 
seal distribution on ice in the northern part of the Ob 
Bay (estimated headcount ranges between 3,639 and 
5,433 individuals). Baseline data were collected prior to 
the start of active ice navigation in order to assess and 
supervise its impact on ringed seals during the ice period, 
and to develop mitigation measures. One of the tasks 
that the crews of chartered vessels sailing through the 
Ob Bay and the Kara Sea should address is to monitor 
encounters with marine mammals, record the coordinates 
and distances as well as the numbers and species of 
animals encountered. In case of dangerous proximity, a 
vessel must take measures to avoid troubling animals 
(slow down or divert).

Annual Report 201853

Photography of a participant of photo contest “See and Preserve!”

Key Environmental Indicators of NOVATEK (including joint ventures)

Water consumption

Atmospheric emissions 

Unit

mcm

mt

2017

2,779

108.9

2018

2,993

84.3

Change

7.7%*

(22.6%)

One of the Company’s priorities is the rational usage of resources, including energy resources. The table below sets 
out the physical volumes and the Russian rouble equivalent of energy resources consumed by the Company in 2018.

Energy Resource Consumption by NOVATEK in 2018 (including joint ventures) 

Natural gas

Electricity

Heating energy

Crude oil

Motor gasoline

Diesel fuel

Butane

Other

Units

mmcm

MWh

Gcal

tons

tons

tons

tons

tons

Volume

RR mln, net of VAT

2,185

1,907,769

899,752

1,478

1,246

5,499

97,786

1,177

2,667.0

8,106.0

661.5

11.2

58.9

264.6

n/a

6.6

*  The increase in water consumption is associated with water intake during the operation of a marine self-lifting drilling rig to ensure the cooling of 

technological equipment.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint54

RR 
BLN

2.4

Expenses on environmental protection  
and sustainable nature management

To encourage NOVATEK employees and residents of the 
Purovsky district of the YNAO to preserve the Far North 
environment and foster environmental awareness, an 
environment-related photo contest “See and Preserve!” 
was held. A total of 32 participants from among residents 
of the Purovsky District, YNAO, and NOVATEK employees 
submitted 198 works for the contest. A jury consisting of 
district administration representatives and professional 
photographers defined the best pictures. In each of 
the five categories, three winners were announced who 
received valuable gifts.

In 2018, more than 1,500 employees from the regions 
where the Company operates took part in “Green Spring 
2018”, a Russian national environmental campaign. 

Following a re-certification audit by Bureau Veritas 
Certification Rus, the NOVATEK HSE Management 
System was confirmed to be in compliance with OHSAS 
18001 and a new version of the international standard 
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. 

The Company’s Arctic Cascade liquefaction technology 
was recognized by the Vernadsky National Environmental 
Award in the Innovative Eco-Effective Industrial and 
Energy Technologies category. This event is an annual 
competition aiming to discover and promote projects 
in the area of environmental protection and safety. 
Arctic Cascade, a prospective natural gas liquefaction 
technology developed and patented by NOVATEK, 
ensures enhanced performance with lower power 
consumption and reduced equipment costs. The 
technology is designed to use equipment from Russian 
manufacturers.

Environmental monitoring was performed throughout the 
reporting year at all of the Company’s license areas and 
production facilities. During the monitoring process the 
condition of the environmental components is studied, 
soil, ground, snow cover, water and bed samples are taken. 
Air contamination level is inspected. The status of fish 
stock and fodder resources in water areas is studied as are 
hydrologic and hydrochemical parameters. The samples 
taken are tested in certified laboratories. Based on the 
laboratory analysis the condition of the environment 
components is evaluated as well as its dynamic pattern 
over the year. The monitoring revealed that the condition 
of the environmental components in the Company's 
production facility locations is evaluated as stable. 

In the reporting year, the Company continued its 
participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), 
whereby information on greenhouse gas emissions 
and operations energy efficiency is disclosed, as well 
as in the CDP Water Disclosure Project to disclose 
data on the use of water resources. Taking part in 
these projects, the Company intends to achieve 
a balance between the climate change risks and 
efficiency of investment projects. The Company offers 
all stakeholders full access to its environmental 
information, including by publications in federal 
and local printed media, on its website, and other 
disclosure means. 

Industrial Safety and 
Occupational Health

NOVATEK is fully committed to putting the life and 
health of its employees above operational results, and 
is aware of its responsibility for ensuring accident-free 
operations and safe labor conditions for its employees, 
as well as protecting the health of the population in the 
areas in which it operates.

NOVATEK has in place an occupational health and 
safety management system which is part of a wider 
management system and ensures risk management 
based on the key principle of prioritizing prevention over 
incident containment and response. 

The Company is engaged in exploration, production, 
processing and sales of natural gas and liquid 
hydrocarbons, which implies setting up complex 
technological processes for operating fire and explosion 
hazardous facilities. Operation of fire and explosion 
hazardous facilities requires that work and services at 
hazardous production facilities be performed in strict 
compliance with industrial safety laws.

To prevent accidents and incidents, and ensure accident 
containment and response at Class 1 and 2 hazardous 
production facilities, a unified industrial safety 
management system and industrial safety declaration 
were developed providing estimates and specifying 
activities for:

•  identification, assessment and forecasting of 

accident risks;

Annual Report 2018%

55

23

Reduction of atmospheric emissions  

•  planning and implementation of accident risk 

mitigation measures;

units specifying remedial actions. All violations are 
remedied within defined timeframes. 

•  coordination of activities to prevent accidents and 

incidents;

•  industrial control procedure; and

•  employees’ participation in the development and 

implementation of accident risk mitigation measures.

To compensate for the damage inflicted to third parties 
and the environment as a result of an accident at a 
hazardous industrial facility, all hazardous industrial 
facilities are insured in accordance with Federal Law 
No. 225-FZ On Mandatory Insurance of Civil Liability of 
Owners of Hazardous Facilities for Damages Inflicted by 
Emergencies at Hazardous Facilities. 

In 2018, NOVATEK ran programs of integrated and 
targeted audits of controlled entities for compliance 
with occupational health, industrial, fire and 
environmental safety requirements by NOVATEK’s 
committee. In the reporting year, the Company 
conducted integrated audits of four (4) Company 
entities, and targeted audits of eight (8) entities. Based 
on their findings, relevant reports were produced, and 
remedial measures were developed. 

At the Company level, data are collected and analyzed 
regarding remediation of all findings of both scheduled 
and unscheduled audits carried out by the state 
supervisory authorities and integrated and targeted 
audits of the Company's committee.

Executives and specialists of subsidiaries and joint 
ventures supervised by Rostekhnadzor have been 
qualified for compliance with industrial security and 
safety rules in territorial bodies of Rostechnadzor. From 
among these employees, the Company set up industrial 
safety assessment commissions to evaluate staff that 
operate technical devices at hazardous production 
facilities.

To prevent accidents and incidents, each year the 
Company develops and consistently implements 
technical inspection, certification and test schedules 
for various types of technical equipment (external and 
internal inspection, hydrostatic and pneumatic tests, 
and industrial safety audits). In 2018, the Company 
performed industrial safety audits of 534 equipment 
items and extended their safe operating life. 

Occupational health training is mandatory for all 
categories of employees and is offered in all controlled 
entities. Structural unit leaders, including top managers, 
take courses in training centers, while specialists 
are offered in-house training opportunities. For that, 
training programs were developed, and occupational 
health knowledge testing commissions were set up. 
In-house occupational health training and knowledge 
testing not only enable significant cost optimization 
but also save man-hours as such training and tests take 
place on the job. 

In 2018, 11,119 employees completed occupational health 
training and safety certification in line with the approved 
training plan. 

To protect the rights of employees to an occupational 
health-compliant workplace, special assessments 
of working conditions were performed to cover all 
workplaces. When workplaces with harmful working 
conditions are identified, a range of measures is first 
implemented to eliminate adverse factors. If these 
prove impossible to eliminate, the time of exposure to 
harmful conditions is then restricted while the affected 
employee is granted all guarantees and compensations 
for operating in harmful working conditions. In the 
reporting year, 7,050 workplaces were certified. A special 
workplace certification process found 5,950 (86.4%) 
workplaces to have permissible conditions. No 
workplaces with hazardous working conditions were 
identified.

In 2018, 365 industrial safety and occupational safety 
compliance checks were carried out by commissions of 
subsidiaries and joint ventures with results documented 
in industrial control reports. Employees in charge submit 
monthly reports to their respective health and safety 

The Company also arranged for preliminary health 
screening and regular medical examinations for timely 
detection of contraindications and signs of occupational 
diseases. No occupational diseases were identified for 
the reporting period. 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint56

Key Health and Safety Indicators of NOVATEK (including joint ventures)

Accidents at hazardous production facilities

Incidents at hazardous production facilities

Injury frequency rate

2017

0

2

1.27

2018

Change

0

1

0.79

–

(50%)

(38%)

Workers engaged in certain high-hazard operations 
and exposed to high-hazard production environments 
(operation and maintenance of hazardous industrial 
facilities) undergo mandatory mental health evaluation. 

The Company actively exercises its right to receive a 
20% refund of the mandatory social insurance payment 
that is duly transferred to the Social Insurance Fund of 
the Russian Federation to cover occupational accidents 
and diseases. These funds are mainly used to finance 
procurement of protective clothing and workplace 
certifications.

Human Resources

Employees are NOVATEK’s most valuable resource, 
allowing the Company to grow rapidly and effectively. 
The Company’s human resource management system 
is based on the principles of fairness, respect, equal 
opportunities for professional development, dialogue 
between management and employees, as well as 
continuous, comprehensive training and development 
opportunities for the Company’s employees at all levels.

As of the end of 2018, NOVATEK and its subsidiaries 
had 13,694 employees, 57.9% of whom work in 
exploration and production, 11.3% in processing, 17.8% 
in transportation and marketing, 5.4% in power supply, 
6.4% are administrative personnel and 1.2% are engaged 
in ancillary services. The predominant age of the 
personnel is between 30 and 50. The average age of the 
Company’s employees is 40 years.

PERSONNEL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Amid the rapid development of technologies and 
management systems, our multilevel training and 
professional development program enable our 
employees to contribute to raising the Company’s 
competitiveness. In 2018, the primary activities of 
training and professional development included: 

•  implementing an In-house Training program to 
improve the competences of the Company's 
employees; 

•  implementing the “Steps in Discovering Talents” 

program for young specialists targeted at training 

highly qualified personnel whose competence level 
fully meets business needs;

•  developing and improving the Corporate System for 
the Evaluation of Technical Competencies; and

•  engaging young specialists to take part in research 

and practice conferences;

NOVATEK Scientific and Technical Center (NOVATEK 
STC) has hosted an In-House Training Program since 
2016. In 2018, NOVATEK STC experts developed and 
delivered training courses on the following subjects: 
“Lithofacies Analyses. Depositional Environment. 
Theory and Practice”; ”Dynamic Simulation of 
Multiphase Streams in Pipelines and Wells using 
OLGA Software: Principal Tasks and Examples of their 
Solution”; “Complexing Logging Methods to Address 
Geological Tasks. Basics of Log Interpretation and 
Practical Application (in NOVATEK Group projects)”; 
“Basics of Geological 3D Modelling”; “Basics of 
Intra- and Inter-Field Hydrocarbons Transportation 
Engineering and Operation”; and Application of 
Petroleum System Studies (Basin Analysis) during 
Exploration. A total of 34 of the Company’s employees 
received training under this program in 2018.

In 2018, NOVATEK continued its efforts to advance 
the professional capabilities of its employees, improve 
working conditions and train its personnel on safe 
working practices at its production facilities. A total of 
40.5 % of white- and blue-collar workers upgraded their 
skills. In 2018, the Corporate System for the Evaluation 
of Technical Competencies tested 274 employees across 
the Group, including 49 persons who were tested at 
recruitment and 156 persons – at promotion.

In 2018, 112 young specialists participated in the Steps 
in Discovering Talents Program. We had our sixth class 
and 28 specialists graduated from the on-the-job 
adaptation and professional development program 
while 30 young specialists guided by 22 mentors 
completed the first step of the program. In autumn 
2018, another 54 young specialists and 48 mentors 
assigned to them joined the program. Young specialists 
received the Mentoring Culture training courses 
together with their mentors. In total, 34 mentors 
attended the training. In 2018, the number of companies 
participating in the program increased to ten. 

Annual Report 201857

13,694

employees at NOVATEK, its subsidiaries and joint 
ventures 

In September 2018, Moscow hosted the 13th 
Interregional Research-to-Practice Conference for 
the Company’s young specialists attended by 93 
employees. Based on the results of the competition, 
all the winners received cash prizes, while fifteen (15) 
of the first place winners were also awarded a trip to 
petroleum training centers in Japan.

In October 2018, the 4th Professional Skills Contest 
among field workers of the NOVATEK Group took place.  
A total of 77 participants from 9 entities took part 
in the event. The Contest was hosted by NOVATEK-
Purovsky Plant and included two stages, a theoretical 
and a practical part with results of both defining the 
winners. 

In 2017, the Innovator Corporate Idea Management 
System, an automated framework to collect and 
process employees’ proposals on improving and 
developing business including labor-saving proposals, 
was launched in NOVATEK and its 14 subsidiaries. More 
than 230 ideas on improving business operations, 
reduction of production costs and implementation of 
new work methods were submitted by the employees 
in 2018. More than 500 ideas have been submitted 
over the two years, of which 40 were approved for 
implementation and 24 ideas were implemented. They 
generated an economic effect of RUB 104.7 bln.

SOCIAL PROGRAMS 

The focus in employee relations is on implementing 
social programs. According to the Core Concept of the 
Company’s social policy, which was adopted in 2006, 
the social benefits package for employees includes the 
following programs:

Voluntary medical insurance for employees

The program includes full outpatient care, dental care, 
and emergency and scheduled hospitalization. 

Therapeutic resort treatment 

Repayable Financial Aid Program

The special-purpose loans program has two focus areas:

•  short-term special-purpose loans intended for 
employees who experience economic hardship; 

•  special-purpose interest-free home loans to 

employees residing in Tarko-Sale, Novy Urengoy, 
Moscow, Nadym, Sosnovy Bor and Tyumen. 

Targeted compensation and social support payments

This program provides targeted free support to the 
Company's employees in specific life circumstances, 
including childbirth, the event of natural disasters or fire, 
compensation for care of a child up to 3 years of age, 
financial aid for care of disabled children, financial aid for 
burial, compensation for sports and recreation classes for 
employees, as well as on the occasion of the jubilee.

Pension Program 

Since 2007, NOVATEK has offered its retired employees 
supplementary benefits in line with the Regulations on 
Social Benefits for Retired NOVATEK Group Employees. 
Employees with an employment track record of at 
least five years with the Company who resign at the 
full retirement age are entitled to monthly benefit 
payments from the Company (suspendable in case the 
retiree gets a job). The benefit amount is subject to the 
employee's average salary, employment track record and 
geographical location. 

Along with providing an optimum social benefits 
package, the Company is also committed to creating 
opportunities for employees to play sports and get 
involved in sports and cultural events. In 2017, our 
employees and their family members visited exhibitions 
at Russia’s national museums, classical music concerts, 
and attended sporting events like football (soccer) 
games and acrobatic rock and roll competitions with 
the Company’s assistance.

Employees and their families can purchase health 
resort vouchers at a discount. Under this program, 
NOVATEK's employees may spend their vacations in 
44 health resorts located in Russia's most picturesque 
settings.

Social Policy and Charity

Social Policy and Charity make up an important part of 
NOVATEK's activities. In 2018, the Company continued 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint58

RR 
BLN

2.0

Expenses on support of indigenous peoples, 
charitable contributions, cultural and 
educational programs

to pay close attention to projects aimed at supporting 
the culture, preserving and revitalizing national 
values and spiritual legacy of Russia, promoting and 
integrating Russian art into the international cultural 
space, and developing mass and high-performance 
sports. NOVATEK enters into agreements with regional 
governments across the Company's geographical 
footprint and implements programs improve living 
standards and preserve the distinctive cultural identity 
of the indigenous peoples of the Far North.

In 2018, NOVATEK and its subsidiaries invested RR 
2.0 billion in projects and activities related to the 
support of indigenous peoples, charitable contributions, 
cultural and educational programs.

COOPERATION WITH THE REGIONS

Within the framework of agreements signed with 
various regions, the Company was investing in YNAO 
and KhMAO, the Leningrad, Murmansk, Chelyabinsk, 
Tyumen, and Kostroma regions throughout 2018. The 
Company also financed the construction, repairs and 
upgrades of social infrastructure facilities, earmarked 
significant funds for implementing educational, 
cultural, children and youth programs and projects, and 
supported low-income families, people with disabilities, 
the elderly and veterans.

NOVATEK is annually providing assistance to various 
regions by helping with settlement development, 
construction and renovation of accommodation, 
educational facilities and advancing local healthcare.

The Company is directly involved in funding the 
construction of important social infrastructure facilities 
across the YNAO.

In September 2018, NOVATEK together with the YNAO 
Government opened an 800-student boarding school 
in the village of Gyda in the YNAO. The project was fully 
funded by NOVATEK.

The new school will become an important educational 
and cultural centre of the Gydan Peninsula. It is 
equipped with modern equipment to ensure a proper 

The opening of a new residential school in the Gyda: settlement, YNAO

educational process and carry out cultural and 
sports-related activities. The school facilities include 
a canteen, a medical facility, workshops, a language 
laboratory, a reading room, a conference hall, a 
museum and a projection room, where students can 
develop their creativity and get involved in the arts. 

Construction of a new modern boarding school in one of 
the most remote settlements of the YNAO is a project 
aimed at improving the living standards of the Far North 
indigenous and minority groups. Education is a base 
for development of young people’s vast capacities and 
human resources in the region in particular and in the 
country in general. Our contribution to the social and 
economic development creates better understanding 
and ensures that the cultural heritage is preserved in the 
Company's core regions.

COOPERATION WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THE 
FAR NORTH

During the reporting year, NOVATEK provided financial 
support to the Yamal for Descendants Association 
of indigenous peoples and its district branches. We 
assisted indigenous peoples through financing the 
purchase of equipment and materials required for the 
work of fishermen and reindeer herders. Portacabins 
were purchased for the needs of the tundra population. 
NOVATEK financed fuel purchases for air delivery of 
the nomadic population and food to remote areas. 
Assistance was provided to people in financial 
distress. One particular area of support is taking 
part in organizing and staging ethnic festivals of 
indigenous peoples as well as provision of funding for 
environmental programs.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

NOVATEK continued to develop the Company’s 
continuing education program, which provides 
opportunities to gifted students from the regions where 
we operate to further their education at top-rated 
universities, participate in NOVATEK internships and, 
upon completion of their studies, possible employment 
with the Company.

Annual Report 201859

Class-room in a new residential school in the Gyda: settlement, YNAO

Recruitment and career guidance for promising 
employees start with the “Gifted Children” program 
implemented at School No. 8 in Novokuybyshevsk, 
school No. 2 in Tarko-Sale, school No. 81 in Tyumen and 
in 2018, school No. 2 in Salekhard joined the program. 
Special classes are formed on a competitive basis from 
the most talented grade 10 and 11 students with above-
average test scores. The Company has also implemented 
two Grants programs for schoolchildren and teachers 
living in the Purovsky District of the YNAO. 

The Grants program for schoolchildren is aimed at 
academic and creative development and encouraging 
a responsible attitude towards studies. Under the 
program, students in grades five (5) through eleven 
(11) are awarded grants from the Company. In 2018, the 
Company awarded 39 grants to students under this 
program. The Grants program for teachers is intended 
to raise the prestige of the teaching profession and 
create favorable conditions for developing new and 
talented teachers. In 2018, four teachers from the 
Purovsky District received grants under this program. 

In an effort to create conditions for more effective 
use of university and college resources in preparing 
students for future professional activities, the Company 
has developed and successfully implemented the 
NOVATEK-University program. The program is an action 
plan for focused, high-quality training for specialists 
with higher education in key areas of expertise in order 
to grow the Company’s business and meet its needs for 
young specialists. The program is based at the Saint-

Petersburg University of Mines, the Gubkin Russian State 
University of Oil and Gas in Moscow and the Tyumen 
Industrial University.

Students who have passed their exams with good and 
excellent results receive additional monthly payments. 
During their studies, the students are offered paid field, 
engineering and directed internships. This experience 
allows them to apply the knowledge obtained at lectures 
and seminars to real-life situations and gain experience 
in the professions they have chosen, while the Company 
receives an opportunity to meet potential employees.

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE

In 2018, NOVATEK continued its cooperation with Russia’s 
leading museums including the State Tretyakov Gallery, 
the Russian State Museum, and the Moscow Museum of 
Modern Art, and supported the most important art and 
music projects.

In 2018, NOVATEK was involved in the implementation 
of the “Ilya and Emilia Kabakov. Not Everyone Will Be 
Taken Into the Future” international project. A large-scale 
retrospective exhibition of Ilya and Emilia Kabakov's works 
was publicly available in the Tate Modern museum (United 
Kingdom, London), the State Hermitage (Russia, Saint 
Petersburg), and in the State Tretyakov Gallery (Russia, 
Moscow).

The Company supported exhibitions “Nikolai Kulbin” and 
“Lazar Khidekel” in the Russian State Museum. In 2018, 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint60

39

GRANTS 

YEARS

10

awarded to schoolchildren under the program 
aimed at academic and creative development 

of the "All Together" volunteer movement

the main theme of the exhibitions was avant-garde art. 
NOVATEK also supported the annual Imperial Gardens of 
Russia international festival of garden and park art titled 
“Flower Assembly”. In the year of the 315th anniversary 
of the founding of Saint Petersburg and the 120th 
anniversary of the opening of the State Russian Museum, 
the Imperial Gardens of Russia festival was for the first 
time held in the Summer Garden. 

“Russian Museum. Common Stories”, a book by Vladimir 
Gusev, the State Russian Museum director, was published 
with the support of the Company.

Orchestra led by Yuri Bashmet. The tour included 
concerts in Moscow, Vladivostok, Singapore, Shanghai, 
Beijing and Seoul.

SPORTS PROJECTS

NOVATEK attaches great importance to programs 
for the development of mass and high-performance 
sports. The Company, its subsidiaries and joint ventures 
regularly hold tournaments in the most popular and 
wide-spread sports: football, volleyball, swimming, 
skiing, to name a few.

In partnership with NOVATEK, the Moscow Museum 
of Modern Art (MMOMA) presented the exhibition of 
the local nonconformist “Vladimir Yankilevsky. Mystery 
of Being” coinciding with the artist's 80th birthday 
anniversary. In 2018, NOVATEK continued supporting 
the MMOMA Education Center. In addition, MMOMA 
delivered a course of lectures on the history of Russian 
and foreign fine arts, fashion, design and architecture at 
the office of NOVATEK to the Company’s employees and 
their families.

The Company supported the children and youth sports 
in the regions of its operations. In 2018, the “NOVATEK – 
Step to Bigger Football” Indoor Football Cups among 
secondary school teams were held in the Chelyabinsk 
and Kostroma regions. More than eleven thousand 
boys and girls took part in the competitions. As part of 
the World Football Championship 2018 youth events, 
a match of the winning teams of the Chelyabinsk and 
Kostroma championships was held on Moscow's Red 
Square.

The Sixth Moscow International Biennale of 
Contemporary Art was held with the support of the 
Company.

NOVATEK is a permanent partner of the international 
festival-school of contemporary art TERRITORIYA. In 
2018, the festival presented Russian and foreign plays 
and dance programs and organized an educational 
program. 

The Company continued supporting the activities of the 
Gogol-center.

In 2018, NOVATEK remained a General Partner of the 
Moscow Soloists Chamber Ensemble under the direction 
of Yuri Bashmet. The Company acted as General Partner 
of the first Asian tour of the Russian Youth Symphony 

The Company supported the Figure Skating and Ice 
Hockey Federations of the Yamal-Nenets Automonous 
Region, and Student Basketball Association with more 
than 800 teams and 10,000 boys and girls participating 
in competitions. The Russian Federation of Dance 
Sports and Acrobatic Rock’n’Roll and the Company 
support corporate dance sport and acrobatic rock’n’roll 
clubs in the regions where the Company operates. 
In April 2018, members of the corporate acrobatic 
rock’n’roll clubs participated in the 3rd Russia-wide 
acrobatic rock’n’roll competition Rock’n’Roll & Co.

In the reporting year, NOVATEK continued cooperation 
with the Football Union of Russia as the General Partner 
of the Russian National Football Teams. The Company 
supported women’s volleyball club Dinamo and the 
NOVA Volleyball Club (Novokuybishevsk).

Annual Report 201861

Student Council meeting in 2018

CHARITY

In 2017, NOVATEK adopted its Charity Policy, which 
provides for supporting children in desperate need of 
medical care residing in the regions where we operate. 

In 2018, the Company kicked off execution of the new 
charity project titled “Health Territory”. As part of this 
project, lead specialists of the Russian Children’s Clinical 
Hospital visited children of the YNAO, Murmansk and 
Kostroma.

In the reporting year, the Company procured equipment 
for regional healthcare facilities and financed treatment 
and rehabilitation programs for prematurely-born 
and partially sighted children. The Company provided 
targeted assistance to children with severe conditions. In 
addition to its charity policy, the Company implemented 

cultural programs for handicapped children and children 
from low-income and large families. 

In 2018, the “All Together” volunteer movement celebrated 
its 10-year anniversary. Over the past ten years the 
charity's geography has expanded significantly, while it 
has remained focused on supporting orphans, children 
with various diseases, seniors and World War II veterans 
as its primary activity. In the reporting year, the first 
charity campaign aimed at providing help for animals was 
organized.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint62

Management and 
Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance System

NOVATEK strives to commit to the highest standards of 
corporate governance. We believe that such standards 
are an essential prerequisite to business integrity and 
performance and provide a framework for socially 
responsible management of the Company’s operations.

The Company has established an effective and 
transparent system of corporate governance complying 
with both Russian and international standards. 
NOVATEK’s supreme governing body is the General 
Meeting of Shareholders. The corporate governance 
system comprises the Board of Directors, the Board 
Committees, and the Management Board, as well as 
internal control and audit bodies and the Corporate 
Secretary. The activity of all these bodies is governed by 
the applicable laws of the Russian Federation, NOVATEK’s 
Articles of association and internal documents available 
on our website (www.novatek.ru).

NOVATEK strives to consider the principles of corporate 
governance outlined in the Corporate Governance Code 
recommended by the Central Bank of Russia (Information 
Letter No. 06-52/2463 dated 10 April 2014). The Company 
follows the recommendations of the Code, as well as 
offering to our shareholders and investors other solutions 
that are intended to protect their rights and legitimate 
interests.

Since the Company’s shares are listed on the London 
Stock Exchange in the form of depositary receipts, 
NOVATEK places great emphasis on the UK Corporate 
Governance Code and the Regulation of the European 
Parliament and of the Council on Market Abuse and 
follows their recommendations as far as practicable. 

The Company adheres to the internal Corporate 
Governance Code approved by the Board of Directors in 
2005 (Minutes No. 60 of 15 December 2005). 

The Company also adheres to the internal Code of 
Business Ethics approved by the Board of Directors 
in 2011 (Minutes No. 133 of 24 March 2011). The Code 
establishes general norms and principles governing 
the conduct of members of the Board of Directors, the 
Management Board and the Revision Commission, as 
well as NOVATEK’s management and employees, which 
were drafted on the basis of moral and ethical values 
and professional standards. The Code also determines 

the rules governing mutual relationships inside the 
Company and NOVATEK’s relationships with its 
subsidiaries and joint ventures, shareholders, investors, 
the government and public, consumers, suppliers, and 
other stakeholders.

The Company monitors changes of the current 
legislature and the Listing Rules of PAO Moscow 
Exchange and harmonizes its internal documents 
according to the changes. NOVATEK’s Regulations 
on the Corporate Secretary, the Internal Audit Policy, 
Regulations on Risk Management and Internal Control 
System and other regulations on the Company’s 
corporate bodies are current and do not require any 
amendments, corrections and/or changes.

NOVATEK’s corporate governance practices make it 
possible for its executive bodies to effectively manage 
ongoing operations in a reasonable and good faith 
manner and to the benefit of the Company and its 
stakeholders.

General Meeting of 
Shareholders

The General Meeting of Shareholders is NOVATEK’s 
supreme governing body. The activity of the General 
Meeting of Shareholders is governed by the laws 
of the Russian Federation, the Company’s Articles 
of association, and the Regulations on the General 
Meetings approved by NOVATEK’s General Meeting of 
Shareholders in 2005 (Minutes No. 95 of 28 March 2005) 
with further alterations and amendments. 

The General Meeting of Shareholders is responsible 
for the approval of annual reports, annual financial 
statements, the distribution of profit, including 
dividends payout, the election of the Board of 
Directors and the Revision Commission, approval of the 
Company’s Auditor and other corporate and business 
matters.

On 20 April 2018, the Annual General Meeting of 
Shareholders approved the annual report, annual 
financial statements (in accordance with the Russian 
Accounting Standards), distribution of profit and the 
size of dividends based on the results of FY2017. The 
meeting also elected the Board of Directors and the 
Revision Commission, as well as approved remuneration 

Annual Report 201863

activities and strategy and the key risks impacting the 
business. In addition to these formal processes, Directors 
have access to the Company’s medium-level managers 
for both formal and informal discussions to ensure the 
regular exchange of information needed to participate 
in the Board meetings and make balanced decisions in a 
timely manner.

Efficient operation of the Board of Directors is 
supported by the Corporate Secretary, who has sufficient 
independence (appointed and dismissed by the Board 
of Directors) and endowed with the necessary powers 
and resources to carry out its tasks in accordance with 
the Regulations on the Corporate Secretary (Minutes 
No. 168 of 28 April 2014 with further alterations and 
amendments). 

The Board of Directors membership (elected at the 
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 20 April 
2018):

•  Alexander E. Natalenko – Chairman of the Board
•  Andrei I. Akimov
•  Burckhard Bergmann
•  Michael Borrell
•  Robert Castaigne
•  Leonid V. Mikhelson
•  Victor P. Orlov
•  Gennady N. Timchenko
•  Andrei V. Sharonov

The Board of Directors membership (elected at the 
Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 18 
January 2019):

•  Alexander E. Natalenko – Chairman of the Board
•  Andrei I. Akimov
•  Arnaud Le Foll
•  Burckhard Bergmann
•  Michael Borrell
•  Robert Castaigne
•  Leonid V. Mikhelson
•  Victor P. Orlov
•  Gennady N. Timchenko

to members of the Board of Directors, Revision 
Commission and the Company’s external auditor for 2018.

On 28 September 2018, the Extraordinary General 
Meeting of Shareholders approved the amount of interim 
dividend for the first half of 2018.

Following a request made by one of our shareholders 
to convene the meeting of shareholders with a view to 
re-electing the Board of Directors, on 18 January 2019, 
the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders was 
held where a new composition of NOVATEK’s Board of 
Directors was elected.

Board of Directors 

The Board of Directors (the Board) activity is governed 
by the laws of the Russian Federation, the Company’s 
Articles of association and the Regulations on the Board 
of Directors approved by NOVATEK’s General Meeting of 
Shareholders in 2005 (Minutes No. 96 of 17 June 2005) 
with further alterations and amendments.

The Board carries out the overall strategic management 
of the Company’s activity on behalf of and in the interests 
of all its stakeholders, and ensures the Company’s 
efficient and effective performance with the aim of 
increasing shareholder value in a prudent and responsible 
manner.

The Board determines the Company strategy and 
priority lines of business, endorses long-term and annual 
business plans, reviews financial performance, internal 
control, risk management and other matters within its 
competence, including optimization of corporate and 
capital structure, approval of major transactions, making 
decisions on investment projects and recommendations 
on the size of dividend per share and its payment 
procedure, and convening the General Meeting of 
Shareholders. The General Meeting of Shareholders elects 
the members of the Board of Directors.

The current members of the Board of Directors were 
elected at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders 
on 20 April 2018 and with further amendments made on 
18 January 2019 at the Extraordinary General Meeting 
of Shareholders. The Board of Directors is comprised of 
nine (9) members, of which eight (8) are non-executive 
directors, including three (3) directors who are considered 
to be independent. The Chairman of the Board is 
Alexander Natalenko. The Chairman is responsible for 
leading the Board and ensuring its effectiveness.

The members of NOVATEK’s Board have a wide range of 
expertise as well as significant experience in strategic, 
operational, financial, commercial and oil and gas 
activities. The Board members hold regular meetings 
with NOVATEK’s senior management to enable them to 
acquire a detailed understanding of NOVATEK’s business 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint64

BOARD ACTIVITIES DURING THE 2018 
CORPORATE YEAR*

•  passed a resolution for NOVATEK to acquire 100% 

interest in OOO Maritime Arctic Transport;

To ensure the Company’s efficient performance, the 
Board meetings are convened on a regular basis at least 
once every two months. During corporate year 2018, 
the Board of Directors (BoD) met 15 times, of which 
five meetings were held in the form of joint attendance. 
The following key issues were discussed and respective 
decisions made: 

•  NOVATEK and Fluxys signed an agreement on 

joint development, design, construction, financing, 
ownership and operation of a mid-scale LNG 
transshipment terminal in the port of Rostock. In 
this connection, the BoD passed a resolution for 
NOVATEK to acquire a 49% stake in the authorized 
capital of ROSTOCK LNG GmbH;

•  reviewed and approved the Company’s 2018 full year 

operating and financial results;

•  recommended an interim dividend payment for first 
half 2018, based on interim financial results for the 
period, and a full year dividend payment for 2018, 
based on full year financial results;

•  made decisions to convene an Extraordinary and 

Annual General Meetings of shareholders. During the 
meetings in 2018, telecommunications facilities were 
used to provide shareholders with remote access to 
participate and to fill out an electronic ballot form;

•  reviewed and approved NOVATEK’s business plan for 

2019;

•  Based on the estimation by the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee of NOVATEK’s Board of 
Directors for the compliance with Independence 
Criteria established by the Moscow Exchange Listing 
Rules, the BoD acknowledged Burckhard Bergmann 
as an independent BoD member despite the fact that 
his membership in the Board of Directors is more than 
7 years (but less than 12 years);

•  The Company carried out a preliminary internal 

assessment of the internal audit activities resulting in 
submitting of the revised version of the Internal Audit 
Policy for the Board of Directors consideration. The 
Policy was aligned with the International Standards 
for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and 
the amended Law On Joint Stock Companies.

•  passed a number of decisions on changing and 
increasing the number of members in NOVATEK 
Management Board up to thirteen persons;

In order to improve efficiency of corporate governance, the 
Company carried out an external assessment of the BoD 
and the BoD Committees activities. 

Board and Committee Meetings Attendance in the 2018 Corporate Year

Member

Independence

Board of 
Directors

Audit
Committee

Remuneration 
and Nomination 
Committee

Strategy 
Committee

Alexander E. 
Natalenko

Andrei I. Akimov

Burckhard Bergmann**  independent 

Michael Borrell

Robert Castaigne

independent

Arnaud Le Foll (from 
18.01.2019)

Leonid V. Mikhelson

executive

Victor P. Orlov

independent

Andrei V. Sharonov
(up to 18.01.2019)

independent

Gennady N. Timchenko

15/15

15/15

15/15

15/15

15/15

6/6

15/15

15/15

9/9

15/15

1/1

5/5

5/5

4/4

1/1

6/6

6/6

5/5

5/5

5/5

5/5

5/5

1/1

5/5

*  From the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 20 April 2018 until the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 23 April 2019.
**  Elected as a member of the Audit Committee and Remuneration and Nomination Committee on 18 January 2019.

Annual Report 201865

During corporate year 2018, an external assessment 
of the BoD activities was performed in accordance 
with the recommendations of the Russian Corporate 
Governance Code. Following the review process headed 
by the Chairman of the BoD and the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee, the Independent Directors 
Association was chosen as the external appraiser, 
which is a recognized Russian institution in the area of 
corporate governance and board of directors assessment, 
representing Russia in the Global Network of Director 
Institutes.

Assessment of the BoD activity had several stages, 
including a questionnaire, individual interviews with 
directors, as well as analysis of internal documents 
regulating the corporate governance issues.

During the appraisal process, the key areas of the BoD and 
the Committees activities were analyzed, including the 
formation of strategy, supervisory and control functions, 
effectiveness of interaction with the top management, risk 
management, remuneration, succession and development 
of key managers.

Anti-corruption Policy, the Sustainable Development 
Report, the HSE performance report, and the report on 
the Company’s social activity in the regions where the 
Company operates.

Board Committees 

The Company has three (3) Board Committees: the 
Audit Committee, the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee and the Strategy Committee. The 
Committees’ activities are governed by the specific 
Committee Regulations approved by the Board of 
Directors and are available on our website.

The Committees play a vital role in ensuring that the 
high standards of corporate governance are maintained 
throughout the Company and that specific decisions 
are analyzed and the necessary recommendations are 
issued prior to general Board discussions. The minutes 
of the Committees meetings are circulated to the Board 
members and are accompanied by necessary materials 
and explanatory notes. 

Based on the external evaluation, we determined 
directions for increasing the Board of Directors 
performance efficiency. The Board Committees conduct 
annual updates of NOVATEK Group’s Risk Map and 
determine the acceptable risk level in the Company, 
annual reviews of the Company’s Information Policy 
compliance report, the report on compliance with 

In order to carry out their duties, the Committees may 
request information or documents from members of the 
Company’s executive bodies or heads of the Company’s 
relevant departments. For the purpose of considering 
any issues being within their competence, the 
Committees may engage experts and advisers having 
necessary professional knowledge and skills. 

Committees membership from 20 April 2018 to 18 January 2019:

Chairman

Members

Audit Committee

Strategy Committee

Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee

Andrei V. Sharonov 

Alexander E. Natalenko

Victor P. Orlov 

Robert Castaigne  
Victor P. Orlov

Andrei I. Akimov 
Burckhard Bergmann 
Michael Borrell 
Gennady N. 
Timchenko

Robert Castaigne 
Andrei V. Sharonov

Committees membership from 18 January 2019:

Chairman

Members

Audit Committee

Strategy Committee

Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee

Robert Castaigne

Burckhard Bergmann

Victor P. Orlov 

Burckhard Bergmann 
Victor P. Orlov

Andrei I. Akimov
Arnaud Le Foll
Michael Borrell
Alexander E. Natalenko
Gennady N. Timchenko

Burckhard Bergmann
Robert Castaigne 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint66

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The primary function of the Audit Committee is control 
over financial and operating activities of the Company. 
In order to assist the Board in performing control 
functions, the Committee is responsible for, but not 
limited to, evaluating the accuracy and completeness 
of the Company’s full year financial statements, the 
candidature of the Company’s external auditor and the 
auditor’s report, and the efficiency of the Company’s 
internal control procedures and risk management 
system.

The Audit Committee works actively with the Revision 
Commission, the external auditor and the Company’s 
executive bodies, inviting NOVATEK’s managers 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements to attend the Committee meetings.

In corporate year 2018, the Audit Committee met five 
(5) times, including three meetings in presentia.

REMUNERATION AND NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The primary functions of the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee are the development of an 
efficient and transparent compensation practice of 
members of the Company’s management, enhancement 
of the professional expertise and improvement of the 
Board of Directors’ effectiveness.

In order to assist the Board, the Committee performs 
the following functions:

•  develop and regularly review the Company’s policy 
on remuneration of the members of the Board of 
Directors, members of the collective executive 
body and the sole executive body of the Company, 
oversee its implementation and realization;

•  preliminarily assess the work of the executive body 
of the Company for the year in accordance with the 
Company’s remuneration policy;

•  annual detailed and formalized performance 

self-appraisal or external appraisal of the Board 
of Directors and its members, as well as of BoD 
Committees, determination of the priority areas for 
reinforcing the Board of Director’s composition;

•  interaction with shareholders, which shall not be 
limited to major shareholders only, with a view to 
generating recommendations to the shareholders 
with respect to voting on the election of nominees 
to the Company’s Board of Directors;

•  plan appointments of members of the executive 
body and the sole executive body on the basis of 
continuity principles; and

•  supervision over disclosure of information on the 
Company's shares owned by the members of the 
Board of Directors and Management Board, and 
other key management employees.

In corporate year 2018, the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee met six (6) times, including 
three meetings in presentia.

STRATEGY COMMITTEE

The primary functions of the Strategy Committee 
are the determination of strategic objectives of the 
operations and control over the implementation of the 
strategy, as well as recommendations on the dividend 
policy.

In carrying out its responsibilities and assisting the 
members of the Board in discharging their duties, the 
Strategy Committee is responsible for, but not limited 
to:

•  evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s 

operations in the long-term;

•   preliminarily reviewing and making 

recommendations on the Company’s participation in 
other organizations;

•  assessing voluntary and mandatory offers to acquire 

the Company’s securities;

•  considering the financial model and business 
valuation of the Company and its business 
segments in order to make recommendations to 
the Board of Directors in making decisions on the 
definition of business priorities of the Company;

•  providing recommendations to the Board of 

Directors on transactions subject to approval by the 
Board of Directors; and

•  providing recommendations to the Board of 

Directors with respect to the Company’s policy on 
the use of its non-core assets.

In corporate year 2018, the Strategy Committee met five 
(5) times, including four meetings in presentia.

Management Board

NOVATEK’s Management Board is a collegial executive 
body responsible for the day-to-day management of 
the Company’s operations. The Management Board 
is governed by the laws of the Russian Federation, 
NOVATEK’s Articles of Association, resolutions 
of the General Meetings of Shareholders and the 
Board of Directors and by other internal documents. 

Annual Report 201867

More information regarding the Management Board’s 
competence is provided in NOVATEK’s Articles of 
Association.

Members of the Management Board are elected by 
the Board of Directors from among the Company’s key 
employees. The Management Board is subordinated 
to the Board of Directors and the General Meeting of 
Shareholders. The Chairman of the Management Board 
is responsible for leading the Board and ensuring its 
effectiveness, as well as organizing the Management 
Board meetings and implementing decisions of the 
General Meeting of Shareholders and the Board of 
Directors. The Management Board was elected by the 
Board of Directors on 25 August 2017 (Minutes No. 198 of 
25 August 2017) with further amendments by resolution 
of the Board of Directors on 12 July 2018, 21 September 
2018, 14 November 2018, 14 December 2018, including 
with regard to the quantitative composition (increased up 
to thirteen members).

•  Denis G. Khramov – Deputy Chairman (the authorities 

were terminated on 12 July 2018)

•  Igor A. Plesovskikh – Deputy Chairman of the 
Management Board - Director for Geology (the 
authorities were terminated on 14 November 2018)

Remuneration to Members of 
the Board of Directors and 
Management Board
The procedure for calculating the remuneration and 
compensations to members of NOVATEK’s Board of 
Directors is governed by the Regulations on Remuneration 
and Compensations payable to members of NOVATEK’s 
Board of Directors approved by the Annual General 
Meeting of Shareholders (Minutes No. 122 of 24 April 2015). 
According to the Regulations, the remuneration consists 
of the following types:

Management Board Members from 1st January 2018 to 
31 December 2018:

•  fixed part of remuneration;

•  Leonid V. Mikhelson – Chairman

meetings; and

•  remuneration for attending the Board of Directors 

•  Alexander M. Fridman – First Deputy Chairman

•  remuneration for attending the meetings of the 

committees of the Board of Directors.

•  Lev V. Feodosyev – First Deputy Chairman

•  Vladimir A. Baskov – Deputy Chairman

•  Viktor N. Belyakov – Deputy Chairman of the 
Management Board for Economics and Finance

•  Eduard S. Gudkov – Deputy Chairman of the 

Management Board (elected on 21 September 2018)

•  Mark A. Gyetvay – Deputy Chairman

•  Evgeny A. Kot – Deputy Chairman of the 

Management Board - LNG Director (elected on 14 
December 2018 and started acting from 14 January 
2019)

•  Tatyana S. Kuznetsova – Deputy Chairman - Director 

of Legal Department

•  Denis B. Solovyev – Deputy Chairman of the 

Management Board - Director of Communications 
Development Department (elected on 21 September 
2018)

•  Ilya V. Tafintsev – Deputy Chairman of the 

Management Board

•  Sergey V. Vasyunin – Deputy Chairman of the 
Management Board - Operations Director

The fixed part of remuneration to a Board member 
constitutes RR 10 million per corporate year. The 
Chairman of the Board of Directors is paid a fixed 
remuneration for the performance of its functions in the 
amount of RR 20 million per corporate year. Members 
of the Board of Directors are also paid remuneration for 
attending the meetings of the Board of Directors in the 
maximum amount of RR 3 million per corporate year 
and remuneration for attending the meetings of the 
committees of the Board of Directors in the maximum 
amount of RR 2 million per corporate year. The Board 
members are also compensated for travel and lodging 
expenses related to implementation of their functions as 
NOVATEK’s Board of Directors’ members.

The procedure for and criteria of calculating remuneration 
to the Chairman and members of NOVATEK’s 
Management Board, as well as the compensation of 
their expenses, are prescribed in the Regulations for the 
Management Board and the employment contracts they 
sign with the Company. 

Internal Control and Audit

NOVATEK has a system of internal controls over financial 
and business operations organized taking into account 
the applicable requirements of the Russian Federation 
legislation and best international practices. The internal 
control system is an integral part of the risk management 

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint68

Information on remuneration of members of NOVATEK’s Board of Directors and Management Board in 2018, RR mln

Total paid, including:

Salaries

Bonuses

Fees

Other property advancements

Board of Directors*

Management Board

129.7

-

-

127.8

1.9

3,208.7

805.5

2,346.0

-

57.2

system and is in line with the relevant risks and 
strategic objectives of NOVATEK.

REVISION COMMISSION

The primary objectives of the internal control system 
are ensuring the implementation of the NOVATEK 
strategy, protecting the interests of the shareholders, 
safeguarding the assets, ensuring the efficiency of the 
financial and business operations, and compliance with 
the applicable requirements of the law and the Group's 
internal regulations. 

The internal control system is implemented on a 
constant basis and covers all areas of activities of the 
Company and business processes at all management 
levels. 

Defining the principles and approaches to organizing 
the internal control system is vested in the Board of 
Directors. The Chairman of the Management Board 
ensures the efficient functioning of the internal 
control system. The Internal Audit Division evaluates 
the risk management, internal control and corporate 
governance system efficiency.

The system of internal control consists of the Board 
of Directors, the Audit Committee, the Chairman of 
the Management Board, the Management Board, the 
Revision Commission and the Internal Audit Division.

The primary objects of internal control are PAO 
NOVATEK, its subsidiaries and affiliates, their 
subdivisions, as well as their ongoing business 
processes.

In order to combat corruption, mitigate compliance, 
operational and reputation risks, the Company 
adopted the Anti-Corruption Policy approved by the 
Board of Directors on 1 September, 2014 (Minutes 
No. 170 of 1 September, 2014) and the Regulation on 
NOVATEK Risk Management and Internal Audit System 
approved by the Board of Directors on 1 September, 
2014 (Minutes No. 170 of 1 September 2014) with 
further alterations and amendments. 

The Revision Commission consisting of four members is 
elected at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders 
for a period of one year. The competence of the Revision 
Commission is governed by the Russian Federation 
Law On Joint Stock Companies No. 208-FZ dated 26 
December 1995 as well as the PAO NOVATEK Articles 
of Association and the Regulations on the Revision 
Commission Procedures approved by the General 
Meeting of Shareholders in 2005 (Minutes No. 95 of 25 
March 2005) for the matters which are not set out in the 
aforementioned law. 

The Revision Commission is an internal control body 
responsible for oversight of the Company’s financial 
and business activities. The Revision Commission 
performs audits of the Company’s financial and business 
performance for the year, as well as any other period 
as may be decided by its members or other persons 
authorized in accordance with Russian Federation law 
and the Company’s Articles of Association. The results 
are presented in the form of findings by the Revision 
Commission. 

In March 2019, the Revision Commission completed the 
on-site audit revision of financial and business activities 
of the Company for the year 2018. As a result, the 
conclusions about the reliability of the data contained 
in the Company’s 2018 Financial Statements (under the 
Russian accounting standards), 2018 Annual Report and 
Report on interested-party transactions were prepared 
and submitted to the Annual General Meeting of 
Shareholders. 

INTERNAL AUDIT DIVISION

In order to conduct a systematic, independent 
evaluation of the reliability and effectiveness of the risk 
management and internal control system system, as well 
as corporate governance practices, the Company and its 
subsidiaries and affiliates perform internal audits of their 
operations. 

*  Some members of NOVATEK’s Board of Directors are simultaneously members of the Management Board. Payments to such members in relation to 

their activities as members of the Management Board are included in the total payments to members of the Management Board.

Annual Report 201869

Performing audits in subsidiaries and affiliates 
is centralized and performed by the NOVATEK 
Internal Audit Division. The Internal Audit Division is 
functionally subordinated to the Board of Directors and 
administratively subordinated to the Chairman of the 
Management Board.

gives recommendations to the Company's Board of 
Directors regarding the candidatures of external auditors 
and the price of their services. Based on the Committee’s 
recommendations, the Board proposes the auditor's 
candidature for consideration and for approval by the 
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. 

In its activity the Internal Audit Division is guided by 
International Standards for the Professional Practice 
of Internal Auditing. The NOVATEK Internal Audit 
Policy is approved by the Board of Directors (Minutes 
No.192 dated August 26, 2016) as amended and 
supplemented, approved by the Board of Directors 
(Minutes No. 212 dated December 14, 2018).

The Division carries out its activities on the basis of an 
annual plan of inspections prepared with the use of a 
risk-oriented approach mainly. According to the results 
audit inspections, it develops measures to eliminate 
identified risks and optimize financial and business 
activities. Implementation of the measures is monitored 
on a regular basis.

The Quality Assurance and Improvement Program is 
developed and implemented in the Internal Audit Division. 
In accordance with this program, the Internal Audit 
Division Self-Assessment is carried out annually and the 
results are reported to the Audit Committee. In 2018, the 
Division initiated the external assessment recommended 
by the International Institute of Internal Auditors to be 
carried out every five years. To render external appraisal 
services, the Audit Committee selected Ernst and Young – 
Appraisal and Consulting Services Ltd. [The assessment 
identified the compliance of the NOVATEK Internal Audit 
Division activities with International Standards for the 
Professional Practice of Internal Auditing].

The Internal Audit Division interacts with an external 
auditor: in sharing information related to working plans, 
inspection results and other matters of relevance to the 
parties.

To improve the efficiency and optimize the costs, the 
Internal Audit Division employees serve on the revision 
commissions of the Company affiliates.

EXTERNAL AUDITOR

AO PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit (an internationally 
recognized audit firm) was chosen as the Company’s 
external auditor to conduct the audit of the annual financial 
statements for 2018 under RAS, as well as independent 
reviews of the Company's quarterly financial statements 
and audit of the annual financial statements under IFRS. 

In selecting the auditor’s candidature, attention is paid to 
the level of their professional qualifications, independence, 
possible risk of any conflict of interest, terms of the 
contract, and the amount of remuneration requested by 
the candidates. 

The Audit Committee oversees the external auditor’s 
independence and objectivity as well as the quality of the 
audit conducted. The Committee annually provides to the 
Board of Directors the results of review and evaluation 
of the audit opinion regarding the Company’s financial 
statements. The Audit Committee meets with the auditor's 
representatives at least twice per year.

NOVATEK’s management is aware of and accepts 
recommendations on the independence of the external 
auditor by restricting such auditor's involvement in 
providing non-audit services. Remuneration paid to the 
principle auditors for auditing and other services is specified 
in Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements 
prepared in accordance with IFRS standards for 2018. 

In accordance with auditing standards, in order to maintain 
independence, the Company’s External Auditor regularly 
rotates its key audit partner, at least once every seven years. 
The last time the Auditor’s partner was rotated was in 2018.

Share Capital

Our share capital is RR 303,630,600 and consists of 
3,036,306,000 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value 
of RR 0.1. As of 31 December 2018, NOVATEK did not have 
preference shares.

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders approved 
an external auditor to conduct an independent review of 
NOVATEK’s financial statements. The Audit Committee 

Our shares are traded in Russian roubles on the Moscow 
Exchange and have a first grade listing (symbol: NVTK).

Auditor’s fees in 2018, RR mln

Audits of PAO NOVATEK (audit of the Group’s consolidated financial statements and audit of statutory financial 
statements of PAO NOVATEK)

Other services

Total auditor’s fees and services

34

8

42

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint70

The Federal Financial Market Service issued to NOVATEK 
a permit for circulation of shares beyond the Russian 
Federation of 910,589,000 ordinary shares comprising 
29.99% of the Company’s share capital.

Our Global Depositary Receipts (GDR) are listed on the 
London Stock Exchange (symbol: NVTK), with each GDR 
representing 10 ordinary shares. As of 31 December 2018, 
NOVATEK’s GDRs were issued on 599,549,590 ordinary 
shares comprising 19.75% of the Company’s share capital.

In 2018, Leonid V. Mikhelson, member of NOVATEK’s 
Board of Directors, made transactions with NOVATEK’s 
shares:

•  acquisition of 16,000 GDRs under a securities sales 

and purchase agreement (10 April 2018);

•  acquisition of 4,010 GDRs under a securities sales and 

purchase agreement (11 April 2018);

•  acquisition of 12,360 GDRs under a securities sales 

and purchase agreement (12 April 2018).

Dividends

The Company’s Dividend Policy is regulated by the 
Regulations on Dividend Policy of PAO NOVATEK 
approved by the Board of Directors on 28 April 2014 
(Minutes No. 168 of 28 April 2014). According to the 

regulations, consolidated net income under IFRS is 
applied for calculation of the dividend size.

NOVATEK’s dividend policy is based on keeping the 
balance between the Company’s business goals and 
shareholder’s interests. A decision to pay dividends 
as well as the amount of the dividend, the payment 
deadline and form of the dividend is passed by the 
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders according 
to the recommendation of the Board of Directors. 
Dividends are paid twice a year. In determining the 
recommended amount of dividend payments to be 
distributed, the Board of Directors considers the current 
competitive and financial position of the Company, as 
well as its development prospects, including operating 
cash flow and capital expenditure forecasts, financing 
requirements, debt servicing and other such factors as it 
may deem relevant to maintaining the financial stability 
and flexible capital structure of the Company. NOVATEK 
is strongly committed to its dividend policy.

On 19 March 2019, the Board of Directors of PAO 
NOVATEK recommended to the Annual General Meeting 
of Shareholders to pay dividends for FY 2018 in the 
amount of RR 16.81 per ordinary share or RR 168.1 per one 
Global Depositary Receipt (GDR), exclusive of RR 9.25 of 
interim dividends per ordinary share or RR 92.50 per one 
GDR paid for the first six months of 2018.

Thus, should the General Meeting of Shareholders 
approve the recommended dividend, the dividends for 
2018 will total RR 26.06 per ordinary share (RR 260.6 per 

Equity stakes in NOVATEK’s share capital and the number of shares owned by members of the Board of Directors and 
Management Board*

Board of Directors

Alexander E. Natalenko

Andrei I. Akimov

Burckhard Bergmann

Michael Borrell

Robert Castaigne

Leonid V. Mikhelson

Victor P. Orlov

Gennady N. Timchenko

Andrei V. Sharonov

Arnaud Le Foll

As of

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

18.01.2019

Equity 
stake

Number of ordinary shares, 
including GDRs certifying rights 
of ordinary shares

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.7288

22,127,032

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

*  The equity stakes are given based on the records in the register of NOVATEK’s shareholders and notification received from members of the Board of 

Directors and Management Board, in accordance with the Russian Federation laws.

Annual Report 201871

Equity 
stake

Number of ordinary shares, 
including GDRs certifying rights 
of ordinary shares

0.0288

874,408

-

-

-

-

0.0817

2,481,049

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.1944

5,903,035

-

-

-

-

As of

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

14.01.2019

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

31.12.2018

14.11.2018

12.07.2018

0.0003

9,320

Management Board 

Vladimir A. Baskov

Viktor N. Belyakov

Lev V. Feodosyev

Alexander M. Fridman

Mark A. Gyetvay

Eduard S. Gudkov

Evgeny A. Kot

Denis G. Khramov

Tatyana S. Kuznetsova

Igor A. Plesovskikh

Denis B. Solovyov

Ilya V. Tafintsev

Sergey V. Vasyunin

one GDR), and the total amount of dividends payable for 
2018 will be RR 79,126,134,360. This will represent a 74.3% 
increase in dividend per share compared to 2017.

restated in 2017 (Minutes No. 198 of 25 August, 2017), 
define main principles for disclosing information and 
increasing information transparency.

The amount of paid dividends accrued for the years 2013 
to 2017, and for the first six months 2018 is reported as 
of 31 December 2018. Partial payment of the accrued 
dividends was made due to provision by shareholders of 
incorrect postal and/or banking details and insufficient 
information regarding banking or postal details of 
shareholders.

Information Transparency

Material information about the Company is disclosed in a 
timely manner in the form of press releases and material 
facts notifications through authorized disclosure services in 
accordance with the Russian and foreign applicable laws. 
The Company discloses quarterly financial statements 
in accordance with the Russian (“RAS”) and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations as well as presentations for investors. 

NOVATEK complies with the best practices for information 
disclosure while adhering to a maximum level of information 
transparency. The Regulations on Information Policy 
approved by the Board of Directors as amended and 

The Company’s website provides detailed information on 
all aspects of its activities, including our Sustainability 
Report. The Company regularly participates in information 
disclosure on greenhouse gas emissions and energy 
efficiency of production – the Carbon Disclosure Project 

Accrued and paid dividends on NOVATEK shares for the period 2013 to 2018

Dividend Accrual Period

Amount of dividends,
RR per share

Total amount of dividends 
accrued, RR

Total amount of dividends 
paid, RR

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

First half 2018 

7.89

10.30

13.50

13.90

14.95

9.25

23,956,454,340

23,956,386,795

31,273,951,800

31,273,942,156

40,990,131,000

40,990,062,712

42,204,653,400

42,204,605,985

45,392,774,700

45,392,718,222

28,085,830,500

28,085,776,082

Expanding Our  Global LNG FootprintEastern Economic Forum, and Russian Energy Week. 
NOVATEK delegations also took part in the work of major 
international business and industry events: the World 
Economic Forum in Davos, Conference on Natural Gas, LNG 
and associated gas, Gastech-2018 in Barcelona.

The following corporate periodicals are published to inform 
the Company's employees, their family members, and 
third parties of the Company's activities: the NOVATEK 
newspaper and the NOVATEK PLUS magazine, containing 
materials on production plans and results as well as on 
cultural, sports and charity programs and projects. 

The main events of NOVATEK are published on the 
Company’s official website and intranet portal. For 
interaction with the public, NOVATEK makes use of up-to-
date channels of information dissemination through social 
media. The Company keeps its accounts in English and 
Russian on Facebook, VKontakte, Twitter, Instagram, and 
YouTube, where the channel subscribers stay updated with 
the Company's activities. There were 120 publications in the 
Company's social media in 2018. The number of subscribers 
increased by a factor of 2.5 as compared to 2017 and 
amounted to more than 7,000 people.

72

(CDP), and on the use of water resources – the CDP Water 
Disclosure Project, as well as other industry publications 
and studies.

The Company maintains an ongoing dialog with 
shareholders and investors in order to ensure full awareness 
of the investment community about its activities. The 
main channels of communication with the investment 
community are through the Chairman of the Management 
Board, Deputy Chairman and the Investor Relations 
department. The Company’s representatives meet on a 
regular basis with key financial audiences to discuss issues 
of interest to them. 

Pursuant to the uniform information policy principles, 
NOVATEK is actively involved in relations with federal, 
foreign and regional media. In 2018, the Public 
Relations Department hosted 24 meetings between the 
Company management and journalists of foreign and 
federal periodicals and organized 18 trips to visit the 
Company's regional production facilities involved in the 
implementation of the NOVATEK projects. 

In 2018, the number of publications on the Company's 
activities increased by 34% compared to the previous 
year, the growth of TV stories on Federal channels and 
references on radio broadcasting stations amounted to 
37%. At the end of the reporting year, there were more 
than 89,000 publications about the Company. Among the 
topics covered were the successful and ahead-of-schedule 
launch of Train 2 and Train 3 of the Yamal LNG Project, the 
plant ramp-up, LNG production and delivery ramp-up, 
entering new sales markets, the Company's prospective 
projects, local manufacturing content and supporting 
Russian manufacturers of LNG plant equipment, the active 
involvement of the Company in the development of the 
Arctic and implementation of the May Russian President 
decree on increasing the goods traffic via NSR to 80 mln t 
until 2024, and the Company's position on the global LNG 
market as one of its major players.

The number of publications in 2018 in foreign media 
exceeded 10,000, thus it increased by 55% compared with 
the year 2017. The main topics for foreign media were the 
Yamal LNG Project implementation, prospective projects 
of the Company, relations with foreign partners, increase in 
supply volumes and new sales markets. 

Regular press tours were organized for Russian and 
foreign journalists to Sabetta. In addition, major federal 
and regional media covered two meetings in Chelyabinsk 
and Nizhny Novgorod on the subject of engaging 
Russian industry in the Company's LNG projects involving 
representatives of Russian enterprises.

NOVATEK takes active part in industrial exhibitions and 
conferences. In 2018, NOVATEK's managers and employees 
participated in more than 20 industry exhibitions, 
conferences and round tables. In 2018, the Company took 
part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, 

Annual Report 2018Additional Information

73

Risk Management System

The Company's activities are subject to risks inherent 
only to the Company or associated with the Company's 
core business.

A multilevel system of risk management has been 
implemented at the Company. Powers, duties and 
responsibilities for specific risk management procedures 
are delegated to different governance levels of the 
Company depending on the assessment of financial 
impact of risk. The Company's risk management policy 
is laid out in the Regulations on OAO NOVATEK Risk 
Management and Internal Control System approved by 
the Board of Directors on 1 September 2014 (Minutes No. 
170 of 1 September 2014) with amendments.

The Board of Directors' Audit Committee is responsible 
for the supervision of the reliability and efficiency of 
the risk management framework and review of the risk 
management policy. In the reporting year, the Audit 
Committee paid great attention to risk management 
in the Company and during the meetings, after careful 
review and analysis of the information provided, it 
recognized NOVATEK's risk management activities 
as compliant with the risk management policy of the 
Company.

Below is the list of risks and approaches to risk 
management applied by the Company. The risks 
described herein are not exhaustive and reflect the 
opinion on the most material risks based on the 
estimates of the Company's management.

Risk

Risk description

Risk management approaches used by the Company

Operational Risks

Risks of 
emergencies 
and incidents

The Company's subsidiaries and joint 
ventures are subject to the risks of 
emergencies and incidents at hazardous 
production facilities that may entail 
business interruption, hazardous 
emissions or spills, which in turn 
may have a negative effect on the 
Company's business reputation and 
financial performance.

The Company performs continuous monitoring of industrial safety 
compliance, develops and implements organizational and technical 
measures aimed at mitigating the risks of emergencies and incidents 
and reducing potential losses as part of its existing integrated 
industrial safety management system that is certified under the OHSAS 
18 001:2007 standard. The Company holds property and business 
interruption insurance policies.

The Company adheres to the principle of responsible investments 
which implies that new design solutions, technologies and equipment 
installed help significantly mitigate accident risks.

The Central Dispatch Office (CDO) operates in the Company, one of its 
functions is to ensure prompt response to production incidents. The 
functionality of the CDO was expanded by adding centralized control 
of well construction and workover on top of the control of production, 
treatment and transportation processes.

A Digital Field Production Management System was commissioned in 
three entities to ensure production management and prompt response 
to process incidents. It enables promptly calculating the optimum 
process mode in a semi-automatic way, identifying deviations and 
planning field operations.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint74

Risk

Risk description

Risk management approaches used by the Company

Monopoly 
risks

The Company depends on monopoly 
suppliers of transport services (such 
as Gazprom, RZD, and Transneft). 
The Company has no influence on 
the capacity of transport facilities 
of the above monopolies and rates 
established by a Federal body.

Competitive 
risks

The Company operates in an 
environment of tough competition with 
Russian and international oil and gas 
companies in the following areas:

•  obtaining of subsoil licenses and 
acquisition of companies holding 
subsoil licenses

•  selling gas in the Russian and global 

markets

•  selling liquid hydrocarbons in the 

Russian and global markets

•  selling liquefied natural gas in the 

Russian and global markets

•  access to transportation 
infrastructure, which has 
technological limitations

•  employment of highly qualified 

specialists to work for the Company, 
its subsidiaries and joint ventures

Failure to perform their obligations by 
the counterparties (quality and timeline 
of procurement, works and services). 

Risks in 
Procurement 
of Materials, 
Works and 
Services

Procurement of materials, works and 
services at prices higher than the 
market

The Company enters into long-term agreements and in a timely 
manner arranges for interaction with monopolies regarding 
hydrocarbon transportation by pipeline and railway transport.

To reduce its dependency, the Company concludes agreements 
enabling it to use alternative methods of product transportation 
(an agreement with SIBUR for the supply of light hydrocarbons to 
Tobolsk Petrochemical Complex). 

The Company monitors commercially available assets with regard 
to the objectives of its long-term development strategy, enabling 
the Company to make an objective assessment of its competitive 
positions and to take the maximum benefit of its competitive 
advantages that include extensive regional work experience and 
synergy with the existing producing, transport, processing and 
distribution infrastructure.

The Company pursues an active marketing policy and takes efforts 
to monitor, expand and balance its customer base, and strives to 
enter into long-term agreements with buyers.

The Company pursues an active marketing policy and takes 
efforts to expand its customer base, and to enter into long-term 
agreements with buyers. To diversify its natural gas marketing 
portfolio, throughout the reporting period the Company was 
engaged in trading in the Natural Gas Section of the St. Petersburg 
International Mercantile Exchange.

The Company expands its footprint in the global LNG market, 
increases its customer base and makes spot, mid-term and long-
term sale and purchase agreements, which enables mitigating risks 
associated with a specific market or counterparty.

The Company implements an active HR policy and applies efficient 
mechanisms of attracting and retaining highly qualified employees.

The Company has put in place internal regulations and introduced 
a procedure to qualify counterparties and control performance 
of obligations. The Company has continuously encouraged its 
counterparties to improve their production capabilities, while 
making long-term agreements with the strategic counterparties.

In 2018, the Company introduced a set of measures to optimize 
procurement activities, aiming to enhance control over the efficiency 
of spending on investment and operations, as well as to shorten 
counterparty selection procedures, and to ensure completeness 
and quality of procurement documentation, enabling prompt and 
efficient decisions.

Counterparties are as far as possible selected on a competitive 
basis. Strategic approaches ensuring maximum procurement 
efficiency are defined for the most critical and expensive 
procurement items and timely satisfaction of needs.

Annual Report 201875

Risk

Risk description

Risk management approaches used by the Company

Reputational risks deriving from 
competition restriction and malpractice 
by employees

As an independent natural gas 
producer, NOVATEK is not subject to 
state regulation of natural gas prices. 
Nevertheless, the Company's prices 
are strongly influenced by the prices 
established by a Federal body.

Moreover, the Company is exposed 
to the current pricing environment on 
the Russian and international liquid 
hydrocarbon and LNG markets as it 
has no power over the contracts' base 
prices. Reduction of prices for liquid 
hydrocarbons and LNG may have a 
negative effect on the Company's 
financial performance.

Exploration drilling is associated 
with multiple risks, including the 
risk of non-discovery of commercial 
reserves. Information on the Company's 
reserves depends on a number of 
factors and assumptions. Actual 
production volumes at the fields, 
along with the cost-effectiveness of 
reserve development may deviate from 
estimates.

Procedures are developed within the Company that provide for 
an objective, timely and transparent process of counterparty 
qualification and selection. There is no discrimination and 
unwarranted restriction of competition in the Company 
when developing qualification and technical requirements to 
counterparties and to the subject of procurement as part of 
design and qualification as well as at the stage of counterparty 
selection. The internal regulations in place provide for a maximum 
transparency procedure of counterparty selection with an adequate 
system of control over the actions of employees. Open ways to 
select counterparties are mostly used.

Given the volatility in international relations with the countries 
providing sophisticated oil & gas equipment, the Company pursues 
import replacement policies where it is appropriate.

State regulation of gas prices significantly reduces the risk of price 
volatility on the Russian gas market.

The Company monitors changes in the global gas and LNG price 
environments and negotiates with LNG buyers striving to make 
efficient sale and purchase agreements.

In view of the vertically integrated production chain for liquid 
hydrocarbons and LNG, the Company does not use commodity 
derivative financial instruments to reduce the risk of price changes 
for such type of products.

To minimize geological risks, the Company relies on the geological 
modeling and engages major contractors that apply state-of-the-
art exploration technologies and methods.

Since 2015, the Company has been employing foreign experts in 
geology and field development. Individual focused training programs 
have been implemented for the employees with due regard to 
periodic testing.

The Company makes an annual assessment and evaluation of its 
reserves based on the results of exploration and production drilling 
and other research information. An independent international 
adviser evaluates the Company's reserves according to international 
standards on annual basis.

Exploration and production of 
hydrocarbons in Russia is subject to 
licensing.

The Company strives to comply, and maintains a continuous 
monitoring of its compliance with the license agreements and the 
subsoil use laws, and submits timely requests for adjusting the 
terms of its license agreements.

The Company is thus exposed to the 
risk of early termination, suspension or 
restriction of its right to use subsurface 
mineral resources.

Commodity 
price risks

Geological 
risks

Risk of early 
termination, 
suspension 
or restriction 
of the right 
to use 
subsurface 
mineral 
resources

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint76

Risk

Risk description

Risk management approaches used by the Company

Environ-
mental 
risks

The Company is subject to the 
probability of events having adverse 
consequences for the environment 
and caused by a negative impact of 
its industrial and other activities, as 
well as natural and technology-related 
emergencies.

Project risks Volatile exchange rates of the national 

currency and unstable lending 
conditions, growing funding costs, 
drop in hydrocarbon prices, precarious 
financial position of contractors and oil 
and gas equipment suppliers may affect 
the Company's Investment Program 
leading to delays in project execution 
and / or rising project costs.

Strategic 
risks

There is a risk that the Company will 
fail to meet its strategic goals and 
objectives due to significant changes 
in external environment, realization of 
individual, or a group of, operational, 
financial and legal risks.

Ethical risks

The Company is exposed to the risks 
of disturbed relationships within the 
Company and with its subsidiaries and 
joint ventures, shareholders, investors, 
the government, the public, consumers 
or suppliers or other corporate entities 
or individuals, including the risk of fraud, 
corruption, and conflict of interest.

The Company has an environmental management system according 
to ISO 14 001 standard to ensure rational use of resources and to 
minimize the adverse effect the Company's operation may have on 
the environment.

The Company adheres to the principle of responsible investment in 
operations, which implies that new design solutions, technologies 
and equipment installed help minimize environmental impact.

The Company implements expert review of projects at the project 
development stage. Investments are only channeled into the 
projects that are most likely to help the Company achieve its 
strategic objectives.

The Regulation on Investment Projects Preparation, Coordination, 
Approval, Monitoring and Updating was approved in the Company in 
2016. The project risks are evaluated at every stage.

The Company has tightened its selection requirements for 
contractors and suppliers of oil and gas equipment. There is ongoing 
monitoring of their performance, including on-site visits to the oil 
and gas equipment plants involved in production and testing of the 
equipment for the Company.

The Company strives to prudently accomplish strategic goals and 
objectives and applies the approaches described in this section to 
manage each of the risks. In order to efficiently manage its project 
portfolio and to ensure sustainable development, the Company 
regularly monitors market trends as well as takes into account 
risks and opportunities of the current and anticipated external 
environment. The decision-making process in strategic management 
includes, inter alia, an assessment of project execution risks and 
evaluation of resources required for their successful execution, 
including an analysis if financial, material and human resources 
employed are sufficient and / or if use of additional resources is 
justified.

In 2011, in order to minimize ethical risks, the Company introduced a 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

The Company is governed by the provisions of the internal Code of 
Business Conduct and Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct, as well 
as the applicable Russian and English law in terms of public company 
regulation. This mitigates ethical risk to stakeholders and investors.

To exclude ethical risks in its relations with third parties, the 
Company carries out tender procedures to select counterparties and 
has a well-established internal control and audit system.

In 2014, the Board of Directors approved NOVATEK's Anti-
Corruption Policy that established key principles and standards 
of anti-corruption practices for employees and includes a set of 
corruption prevention measures.

As part of the Anti-Corruption Policy implementation, a Security 
Hotline is in operation 24/7.

In 2016, the Company established the procedure for notification and 
managing the conflicts of interest employees may come across in 
performing their job duties

Annual Report 2018Risk

Risk description

Risk management approaches used by the Company

Social risks

The Company is subject to the following 
risks of a social nature:

The Company strives to ensure compliance of its social programs 
with the industry's average level and uses up-to-date mechanisms 
for attracting and retaining highly professional employees.

77

• 

internal risks associated with a 
possible incompliance of social 
programs implemented by the 
Company with the industry's average 
level that may lead to a higher labor 
turnover;

•  external risks associated with 

potential impediments in normal 
production activities caused by 
the public living in proximity to the 
production facilities

The Company is subject to risks of 
unlawful interference acts and terrorist 
threat concerning operation of fuel and 
energy facilities, transport and other 
facilities (areas). 

Terrorism 
risks

Country risk NOVATEK is a Russian company 

operating in a number of Russian 
regions. Country risk is defined by the 
fact that Russia is still an emerging 
economy, the economic environment of 
which is not sufficiently stable.

In 2015, a precipitous decline in crude 
oil prices and international sanctions 
caused volatility in foreign currencies, 
growing inflation rates, an increase in 
interest rates and an economic growth 
slowdown.

These factors have a negative impact on 
the Company's operational and financial 
performance.

The Company is involved in foreign 
projects related to LNG transportation 
and sales, and in projects aimed at 
enlarging its geographic footprint in 
hydrocarbon exploration, production and 
transportation. Legislative and political 
changes in the countries where the 
Company operates may affect financial 
performance and the cost of such 
projects.

The Company's production facilities are located outside densely 
populated territories, and the Company monitors compliance with 
the rules and regulations while operating its facilities. The risks 
related to possible military conflicts, announcement of a state of 
emergency, or strikes, are insignificant, as the Company operates in 
economically and socially stable regions.

The Company implements all necessary measures to fully comply 
with legislative requirements in the area of security and counter-
terrorism measures at fuel and energy facilities, transport and other 
facilities (areas). 

Active marketing and financial policies enable the Company to 
mitigate the country risk.

Moreover, the Company's management continuously analyzes the 
macro-economic environment and makes prompt decisions to 
mitigate potential risks.

The Company continuously monitors legislative changes in the 
countries where it operates, analyzes the political situation, takes 
part in negotiations and builds up long-term partner relations with 
state authorities and various stakeholders.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint78

Risk

Risk description

Risk management approaches used by the Company

Regional risk The Company produces and processes 
hydrocarbons within Western Siberia, a 
region with a challenging climate.

The Company's vulnerability to region-specific impacts is 
insignificant and is taken into account by the Company's 
management at the onshore production and processing facilities 
design and operation stage.

In 2018, the Company started geological 
exploration works in the Ob Bay. Due 
to severe climatic conditions, there 
are risks of natural and man-induced 
emergencies when drilling offshore 
exploration wells.

The Company uses the Northern 
Sea Route (NSR) for LNG and gas 
condensate shipping. Severe weather 
and ice conditions in vessel voyage 
areas, ports, and cargo transshipment 
points may lead to longer vessel return 
voyages, a disruption of marketable 
products offtake, and tank tops, as 
well as may result in default on timely 
delivery obligations to buyers.

The Company implements a range of measures to prevent natural 
climatic conditions and man-caused factors from impacting offshore 
wells construction, such as:

•  construction is ongoing only during guaranteed ice-free season
•  continuous meteorological and ice monitoring is in place
•  all the required manpower and craft are continuously in place 
to implement an emergency response plan in the offshore and 
onshore operations area

•  comprehensive emergency drills are carried out in the course of 
construction involving rescue vessels with necessary equipment 
and specialized trained personnel on board.

To mitigate such risks, the Company implements the following 
measures:

•  coordinates day-to-day tanker management with structural units 
in charge of fleet planning and positioning, operations and sales, 
and adjusts production and supply schedules where necessary;

•  cooperates with Atomflot, Rosmorport, Northern Sea Route 

• 

Administration and government authorities to ensure necessary 
icebreaker support along the NSR;
incorporates requirements in all time charter parties that the 
vessel's officers have necessary experience in ice navigation and 
that the crews take special training courses and programs with 
regards to ice navigation;

•  engages ice pilots and representatives of special institutions and 

companies when passing difficult ice areas.

Risks of 
information 
technology 
and 
information 
security 
(cyber-risks) 

The Company is exposed to the risks in 
the area of information technology and 
information security, such as

All information processed within the Company's corporate 
information system is classified, and owners of information resources 
are defined as are terms for granting access thereto.

•  the risk of confidential information 

leaks;

Pursuant to Federal Law No. 187-FZ dated July 26, 2017, the Critical 
Infrastructure Categorization Plan is approved in the Company.

•  the risk of business interruption and 
the risk of an emergency situation 
as a result of computer-generated 
incidents.

The information technology development strategy of the NOVATEK 
Group was developed and approved to ensure the Group's 
sustainable development.

Financial Risks

Credit risk

The Company is exposed to a risk 
of losses related to a failure by 
counterparties to perform their 
contractual financial obligations when 
due, and in particular depends on 
the reliability of banks in which the 
Company deposits its available cash.

When selling natural gas on the domestic market, the Company 
continuously monitors the financial soundness of its consumers and 
takes actions in case there are overdue payments.

Most of NOVATEK's international liquid sales are made to major 
customers with independent ratings. Almost all domestic sales of 
liquid hydrocarbons are made on a 100 percent prepayment basis.

When selecting banks, the Company is governed by the bank's 
reliability confirmed by international ratings.

Annual Report 2018Risk

Risk description

Risk management approaches used by the Company

79

Reinvest-
ment risk

The Company's business requires 
substantial investments into field 
exploration and development, followed 
by the production, transportation, 
and processing of natural gas, oil, gas 
condensate and petroleum products. 
Insufficient funding for these and other 
expenditures may affect the Company's 
financial standing and performance.

Interest risks As a major borrower, the Company 

is subject to risks associated with an 
increase in interest rates. Interest rates 
on some of the Company's loans may 
be linked to floating international and 
Russian base rates, the dynamics of 
which are hard to predict. Volatile 
interest rates may restrict the use 
of borrowed capital as a financing 
source for the Company's investment 
activity and may increase interest rate 
expenses.

Currency risks Part of the Company's liabilities is 
denominated in foreign currencies, 
which may lead to losses in the event 
of Russian rouble depreciation. On 
the other hand, part of the Company's 
proceeds is also denominated in 
foreign currencies, which may lead to 
losses in the event of Russian rouble 
appreciation.

Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the 

Company will not be able to meet its 
financial obligations as they fall due.

Inflation risk Changes in the consumer price 

index have an impact on NOVATEK's 
profitability and, as a consequence, 
its financial standing. The significant 
currency depreciation can cause a surge 
in inflation rates, which are impossible 
to accurately predict.

The Company's capital investment plans are defined in its long-
term development strategy, are revised on an annual basis and are 
generally in line with the Company's ability to generate cash flow 
from operations taking into account the need to pay dividend and 
service its debt.

The Company pursues a balanced debt policy and strives to 
maximize the share of long-term liabilities with fixed rates in its 
debt portfolio. The Company strives to maintain flexibility in its 
investment program.

The liabilities expressed in foreign currency on the one hand, and 
export proceeds on the other generally offset each other and serve 
as a natural mechanism to hedge currency risks.

The Company's approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that 
it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when 
due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring 
unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Company's reputation. 
In managing its liquidity risk, NOVATEK maintains an adequate 
ratio between cash reserves and debt, monitors forecast and actual 
cash flows and matches the financial assets and liabilities maturity 
profiles.

The Company uses various short-term borrowings. The Company 
may use credit facilities and bank overdrafts to satisfy its short-term 
finance needs. To satisfy its needs for cash on a more permanent 
basis, the Company will normally raise long-term loans in the 
available markets.

NOVATEK may not be able to predict the inflation level, since, apart 
from the consumer price level, it is necessary to take into account 
the change in the real purchasing power of the Russian rouble, the 
pricing conditions in liquid hydrocarbon and LNG export markets, 
and government policy in relation to tariffs for natural gas.

NOVATEK monitors the consumer price index and accordingly acts 
to mitigate its costs.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint80

Risk

Risk description

Risk management approaches used by the Company

The Company is constantly monitoring draft laws, elaborates its 
proposals and takes part in the drafting of laws and incorporation of 
provisions that are in line with the Company's interests, all enabling 
it to evaluate the consequences of such changes and to take them 
into account in its plans.

Legal Risks

Risk of law 
changes

The Company is subject to a risk of 
facing consequences of changes in 
Russian laws in the following areas:

•  currency laws (in areas concerning 
export / import and borrowing 
operations)

•  tax laws (in areas regulating taxation 

systems and rates applicable 
to companies in general, and to 
companies producing and marketing 
natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons, 
specifically)

•  customs laws (in areas concerning 
the export of liquid hydrocarbons, 
including petroleum products); and
licensing requirements for natural 
resource extraction.

• 

•  competition laws (in areas regulating 

natural gas sales market). 

Litigation 
risks

Risk of 
sanctions

The Company may be involved as a 
defendant or plaintiff in a number of 
proceedings arising in the normal course 
of its business.

When conducting its business, the Company adheres to the principle 
of prudence. Due to this fact, as of the approval date of the Annual 
Report, the Company was not involved in any material litigation and 
the associated risks are insignificant.

In 2014, the Company was included 
into the US sectoral sanctions list 
whereby the US persons are prohibited 
to participate in providing financing to 
the Company for more than 60 days. 
The sanctions imposed restrict the 
Company's ability to refinance its debt.

Furthermore, there is a risk of tougher 
US sanctions and risk of including 
the Company into other countries' 
sanctions lists, which may undermine 
the Company's performance.

The Company follows a balanced financial policy enabling it to 
minimize its fundraising needs. Moreover, the Company still has 
full access to the Russian capital market and limited access to the 
international market.

In case the US sanctions are toughened and the Company 
is included in other countries' sanctions lists, the Company 
management will make every possible effort to minimize the 
negative impact on the Company's business operations and financial 
standing.

Annual Report 201881

Risk Insurance

Risk insurance is an integral part of NOVATEK's risk 
management system. In 2018, the insurance coverage 
guaranteed adequate protection against the risks 
of damage to the business of the Company or its 
subsidiaries and joint ventures. Insurance is provided by 
reputable insurance companies that have high ratings 
by the leading rating agencies (Standard & Poor's, Fitch 
Ratings, Expert RA, A. M. Best,) with partial reinsurance 
of risks by major international insurance and reinsurance 
companies.

OBLIGATORY RISK INSURANCE

The Company and its subsidiaries and joint ventures 
fully meet the requirements of the applicable laws for 
maintaining obligatory insurance, such as civil liability 
insurance of:

•  owners of hazardous production facilities; and

•  owners of transport vehicles.

OPTIONAL RISK INSURANCE

To reduce the risk of financial losses, the Company and 
its subsidiaries and affiliates maintain the following types 
of optional insurance:

•  Insurance of the risk of property damage / loss, 

including the risk of mechanical failures;

•  Insurance of the risk of damage from business 

interruption;

•  Construction risk insurance;

•  Insurance of risks related to prospecting, exploration 
and production (risk of loss of control over a well); and

•  Management liability insurance.

Since 2013, the Company has implemented a 
comprehensive program of property and business 
risk insurance with respect to its and its subsidiaries' 
and joint venture's key assets. The cumulative insured 
amount for the risks of property damage and business 
interruption as at the end of 2017 was RR 772 billion. 
The implemented program is viewed by the Company's 
management as an efficient measure for mitigating 
the consequences of potential accidents and provides 
additional guarantees for the attainment of the 
expected net profit and key indicators of the Company's 
performance.

In the reporting year, no insured major accidents or 
incidents occurred.

For more than 13 years, the Company has maintained a 
management liability insurance for the top management 
of the Company and its subsidiaries against possible 
third-party claims for any losses incurred through any 
wrong action (or decision) made by its management 
bodies. The overall limit of all insurance coverage is Euro 
120 mln.

Information on Members of 
NOVATEK's Board of Directors

MR. ALEXANDER E. NATALENKO
Chairman of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Member of NOVATEK's Strategy Committee
Born in 1946

Mr. Natalenko completed his studies at the Irkutsk State 
University in 1969 with a primary focus on Geological 
Engineering. Subsequently, he worked with the 
Yagodinskaya, Bagdarinskaya, Berelekhskaya, Anadirskaya 
and East-Chukotskaya geological expeditions. In 1986, 
Mr. Natalenko headed the North-East Industrial and 
Geological Association and, in 1992, he was elected 
president of ZАО “Magadan Gold & Silver Company'. He 
subsequently held various executive positions in Russian 
and foreign geological organizations. From 1996 to 2001, 
Mr. Natalenko held the position of Deputy Minister of 
Natural Resources of the Russian Federation. From 2013 
to 2015, he was a member of the Board of Directors of AO 
Rosgeologia. From 2004 to present, he is the Chairman of 
NOVATEK's Board of Directors.

Mr. Natalenko is the recipient of the State Prize of the 
Russian Federation and an Honored Geologist of Russia.

MR. ANDREI I. AKIMOV
Member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Member of NOVATEK's Strategy Committee
Born in 1953

Mr. Akimov graduated from the Moscow Financial Institute 
in 1975 where he specialized in international economics. 
Between 1974 and 1987, Mr. Akimov held various executive 
positions in the Bank for Foreign Trade of the USSR. 
From 1985 to 1987, he served as Deputy Chief General 
Manager of the Bank for Foreign Trade branch in Zurich 
(Switzerland) and between 1987 and 1990, Mr. Akimov 
was the Chairman of the Management Board of Donau 
Bank in Vienna (Austria). From 1991 to 2002, he was 
Managing Director of financial company IMAG Investment 
Management & Advisory Group AG (Austria). Since 2003, 
Mr. Akimov has been the Chairman of the Management 
Board, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors 
of Gazprombank (OAO). He is a member of the Board 
of Directors of PAO Gazprom, Gazprombank (AO), AO 
Rosneftegaz, ООО Gazprom gas motor fuel and others.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint82

DR. BURCKHARD BERGMANN
Independent member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Chairman of NOVATEK's Strategy Committee
Member of NOVATEK's Audit Committee
Member of NOVATEK's Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee
Born in 1943

Dr. Bergmann, born in Sendenhorst (Germany), studied 
physics at Freiburg and Aachen Universities from 1962 
to 1968 and was awarded a doctorate in engineering 
by Aachen University of Technology in 1970. From 1968 
to 1969, he worked at the German Federal Ministry for 
Research and Technology and from 1969 to 1972 at the 
Jülich Nuclear Research Centre. In 1972, Dr. Bergmann 
joined Ruhrgas AG (from 1 July 2004 –E. ON Ruhrgas 
AG), heading the LNG Purchasing Department. In 
1978, he became Head of the Gas Purchasing Division 
responsible for gas purchasing, commercial aspects of gas 
transmission and storage, as well as gas billing. In January 
1980, he was elected as a member of the Management 
Board of E. ON Ruhrgas AG, serving from June 1996 as its 
Vice-Chairman and from June 2001 to February 2008 as 
its Chairman. From March 2003 to February 2008, he was 
also a member of the Board of Management of E. ON AG.

Dr. Bergmann is a Chairman of the Supervisory Board of 
Accumulatoren-Werke Hoppecke GmbH and a member of 
the Advisory Boards for Dana Gas, Dubai. Since October 
2012, he is a member of the board of trustees of RAG 
Stiftung. Between 1998 and 2000, Dr. Bergmann held the 
position of President of Eurogas (the European Union of 
the Natural Gas Industry) and between 2000 and 2010 
he was Vice-Chairman of the Board of the German East-
West Trade Committee. Dr. Bergmann was a member of 
the Board of OAO Gazprom from 2000 to 2011.

Dr. Bergmann holds the following distinctions: 
Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit 
(1997), Foreign Member of the Academy of Technological 
Sciences of the Russian Federation (2003), Order of Merit 
of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (2004), Director 
of the Year, Moscow (2007), Officer's Cross of the Order of 
Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2008) and the 
Russian Order of Friendship (2011).

MR. MICHAEL BORRELL
Member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Member of NOVATEK's Strategy Committee
Born in 1962

Mr. Borrell graduated from the University of Cambridge with 
a degree in Chemical and Mechanical Engineering (Master 
of Science –1993, Bachelor –1984). He joined TOTAL in 
1985. Mr. Borrell worked with the affiliated companies of the 
concern; from 1995 he held a number of senior management 
positions in TOTAL. From 2003, he worked at the position 
of Vice-President for Corporate Planning and Business 
Development in Total E&P Indonesia. In July 2006, he was 
appointed President and CEO of TOTAL E&P Canada in 

Calgary. From September 2009 to June 2010, he was Vice 
President of the Caspian Area and Central Asia for TOTAL 
Exploration and Production. From July 2010, he served as 
First Vice President of Continental Europe and Central Asia. 
From January 2015 to September 2017, he worked as Senior 
Vice-President of Europe and Central Asia. In September 
2017, he has been appointed Senior Vice President North 
Sea and Russia, which comprises the United Kingdom, 
Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands and Russia.

MR. ROBERT CASTAIGNE
Independent member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Chairman of NOVATEK's Audit Committee
Member of NOVATEK's Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee
Born in 1946

Mr Castaigne graduated from the Ecole Centrale de Lille in 
1968 and the Ecole nationale supérieure du pétrole et des 
moteurs, he holds a doctorate in economics. He has spent 
his whole career at TOTAL SA, first as an engineer, then 
in various positions. From 1994 to 2008, he was Member 
of the Executive Committee, Executive Vice-President 
and Chief Financial Officer of TOTAL SA. He is Member of 
VINCI's Board of Directors and its Audit and Remuneration 
Committees. He is Chevalier of the National Order of the 
Legion of Honour.

MR. ARNAUD LE FOLL
(since 18.01.2019)
Member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Member of NOVATEK's Strategy Committee
Born in 1978

Graduate of “École polytechnique” and “École des mines 
de Paris” (France) Arnaud Le Foll began his professional 
career in French ministries and administrations. Between 
2003 and 2006 he was Head of Regional Industrial 
Environment Inspectorate, Rhône-Alpes (Lyons, France), 
then he moved to a position of Auditor at General 
Inspectorate of Finance, Ministry of Finance, where he 
served from 2006 to 2007. In 2007, he became an Advisor 
on matters related to environment, energy and industry 
in the offices of C. Lagarde, Minister of Economy, and 
L. Chatel, Secretary of State in charge of Industry.

Arnaud Le Foll joined Total in 2010, as Analyst Strategy, 
Total Holding. In 2010 he was promoted to a position 
of Vice-president strategy and business development 
Asia-Pacific, Total Marketing & Services (Singapore). From 
2013 to 2016, he headed Total Maroc affiliate as Managing 
Director.

In 2016, Arnaud Le Foll moved from the Marketing & 
Services branch of Total to Exploration & Production, 
and was appointed Strategy and Portfolio Management 
Director, Total E&P Angola.

On January 1, 2018, Arnaud Le Fall became Total Country 
Chair Russia and General Director, Total E&P Russie.

Annual Report 201883

MR. LEONID V. MIKHELSON
Member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board
Born in 1955

Mr. Mikhelson received his primary degree from the 
Samara Institute of Civil Engineering in 1977, where he 
specialized in Industrial Civil Engineering. That same 
year, Mr. Mikhelson began his career as foreman of a 
construction and assembling company in Surgut, Tyumen 
region, where he worked on the construction of the 
first section of the Urengoi-Chelyabinsk gas pipeline. 
In 1985, Mr. Mikhelson was appointed Chief Engineer of 
Ryazantruboprovodstroy. In 1987, he became General 
Director of Kuibishevtruboprovodstroy, which in 1991, 
was the first company in the region to sell its shares and 
became a private company, AO SNP NOVA. Mr. Mikhelson 
remained AO SNP NOVA's Managing Director from 
1987 through 1994. Subsequently, he became a General 
Director of the management company “Novafininvest”.

Since 2003, Mr. Mikhelson has served as a member of the 
Board of Directors and Chairman of the Management 
Board of NOVATEK. From March 2008 to December 2010, 
he has been a member of the Board of Directors and the 
Chairman of the Board of Directors of AO Stroytransgas. 
From 2009 to 2010 he was the Chairman of the Board 
of Directors of ОАО Yamal LNG and from 2008 to 2011 
he was a member of the Board of Directors of OOO Art 
Finance. Since 2011, he has been the Chairman of the Board 
of Directors of PAO SIBUR Holding and from 2011 to 2013 
he was a member of the Supervisory Board of the OAO 
Russian Regional Development Bank. Mr. Mikhelson is the 
recipient of the Russian Federation's Order of the Badge 
of Honor, 2nd Degree Order of Merit for the Fatherland and 
the title of honor “Honored man of the gas industry”.

MR. VICTOR P. ORLOV
Independent member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Chairman of NOVATEK's Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee
Member of NOVATEK's Audit Committee
Born in 1940

In 1968, Mr. Orlov graduated from the Tomsk State 
University as a geological engineer with a degree in 
“Geological survey and exploration of mineral deposits”, 
and in 1986 from the Academy of National Economy 
under the USSR Council of Ministers, with a specialty in 
“Economics and Management of a National Economy”.

From 1957 to 1963, he worked at a coal mine and served 
in the Soviet Army. From 1968 to 1975, he was head of a 
geological survey, prospecting and exploration works in 
the geological organizations of Western Siberia, and held 
positions of geologist, chief geologist, chief of geological 
exploration crew. 1975-1978 –Consultant on geological 
exploration works in Iran. 1979-1981 –Deputy Head of 
the Geological Division of the Production Geological 
Association of central areas of Russia (Tsentrgeologiya). 

1981-1986 –Deputy Head of Geology and Production 
departments of the Ministry of Geology of the RSFSR. 
1986-1990 –CEO of Tsentrgeologiya. 1990-1992 –Deputy 
Minister of Geology of the USSR, First Deputy Chairman 
of the RSFSR State Committee for Geology and Use of 
Energy and Mineral Resources. 1992-1996 –Chairman 
of the Russian Federation Committee on Geology and 
Mineral Resources. 1996-1999 –Minister of Natural 
Resources of the Russian Federation. 2001-2012 –
Member of the Federation Council of the Federal 
Assembly of the Russian Federation. 2001-2004 –First 
Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee 
on Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. 
2004-2011 –Chairman of the Federation Council 
Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental 
Protection. From 1998 to present –President of “Russian 
Geological Society” public organization. Author and 
co-author of over 300 scientific publications.

Professor, Doctor of Economics (1991), Candidate of 
geological-mineralogical sciences (1974), an Honored 
Geologist of Russia. Laureate of the State Prize of the 
Russian Federation in the field of science and technology. 
He was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland 
4th degree (2001), the Order of Honor (2015), 18 non-
governmental awards, including 3 appreciation letters of 
the President of the Russian Federation, 2 Certificates of 
Merit of the Government of the Russian Federation.

MR. ANDREI V. SHARONOV
(up to 18.01.2019)
Independent member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Chairman of NOVATEK's Audit Committee
Member of NOVATEK's Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee
Born in 1964

Mr. Sharonov graduated from the Ufa Aviation Institute 
and the Russian Academy of State Service under the 
President of the Russian Federation.

1989-1991 –Member of the USSR Parliament, until 
1996 he headed the Committee for Matters Concerning 
Young Persons of the Russian Federation. From 1996 
to 2007 –Head of Department, Deputy Minister, State 
Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Development 
and Trade of the Russian Federation. From 2007 to 
2010 –Managing Director and Chairman of the Board 
of Directors of ZAO Investment Company Troika Dialog, 
head of the investment banking sector. From 2010 to 
2013 –Deputy Mayor of Moscow for economic policy, was 
responsible for budgeting, procurement, industrial policy 
and business support, regulated market of trade and 
services. Served as a Chairman of the Regional Energy 
Commission. Mr. Sharonov is a Deputy Head of the 
Executive Committee of the Moscow Urban Forum. From 
2013 to 2016 –Dean of SKOLKOVO Business School 
and in September 2016 he was elected President of the 
Business School.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint84

He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors, an 
Independent member of the Board of Directors of OOO 
Management Company NefteTransService; a member 
of the Boards of Directors of PAO Sovcomflot and PAO 
PhosAgro, a member of the Supervisory Board of the 
Bank VTB (PAO).

Candidate of sociological sciences, an Honored 
Economist of the Russian Federation. He is the recipient 
of the “Aristos” Award in the “Independent Director” 
category in 2009, the National Award “Director of the 
Year –2009” in the “Independent Director” category and 
the International Award “Person of the Year –2012” in 
the “Business reputation” category, special award for 
personal contribution to the development of corporate 
management in 2016 from the Independent Directors 
Association and the Russian Union of Industrialists and 
Entrepreneurs. He was awarded the Order of Honor of 
the Russian Federation.

MR. GENNADY N. TIMCHENKO
Member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Member of NOVATEK's Strategy Committee
Born in 1952

In 1976, Mr. Timchenko graduated with a Master's of 
Science from the Mechanical University in Leningrad. He 
began his career at the Izjorskii Factory in Leningrad, an 
industrial plant which made components for the energy 
industry. Between 1982 and 1988, he was a Senior 
Engineer at the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Mr. Timchenko 
has more than 20 years of experience in the Russian 
and International energy sectors and he has built 
interests in trading, logistics and transportation related 
companies.

In 1988, Mr. Timchenko became a Vice President of 
Kirishineftekhimexport, the export and trading arm 
of the Kirishi refinery. In 1991, he worked for Urals 
Finland which specialized in oil and petrochemical 
trading. Between 1994 and 2001, Mr. Timchenko was 
Managing Director of IPP OY Finland and IPP AB 
Sweden. Between 1997 and 2014, he co-founded 
Gunvor, a leading independent oil-trading company. 
Mr. Timchenko was a member of the Board of Directors 
of OOO Transoil and OOO BalttransService, and Airfix 
Aviation OY. Since 2009, he has been a member of the 
Board of Directors of PAO NOVATEK. He is a member 
of the Board of Directors of PAO SIBUR Holding, 
the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President 
of the Ice Hockey Club SKA St. Petersburg, as well 
as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of OOO 
Kontinental Hockey League, a member of the Board of 
Trustees of the All-Russian public organization Russian 
Geographical Society, the Chairman of the Russian 
Council of the NPO Russian Chinese Business Council, 
the Chairman of the Board to promote OCD, Vice-
President of the Olympic Committee of the Russian 
Federation, and the Chairman of the Economic Council 
of the Franco-Russian Chamber of Commerce (CCIFR).

ZULMIRA A. RAZAKOVA
NOVATEK's Corporate Secretary

Ms. Razakova holds a higher legal education degree and 
began working for NOVATEK in 2004. Between 2007 and 
2012, Ms. Razakova held the position of lead specialist of 
the Management Board and Board of Directors staff. In 
April 2012, Ms. Razakova was elected as Secretary of the 
Board of Directors. Since 2014, Ms. Razakova has been 
NOVATEK's Corporate Secretary.

Information on Members of 
NOVATEK's Management Board

MR. LEONID V. MIKHELSON
Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board
Member of NOVATEK's Board of Directors
Born in 1955

Details on Mr. Leonid V. Mikhelson are available in 
the “Information on Members of NOVATEK's Board of 
Directors” section.

MR. VLADIMIR A. BASKOV
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board
Born in 1960

In 1986, Mr. Baskov graduated from the Moscow Higher 
Police School of the USSR. In 2000, he completed 
courses at the Management Academy at the Russian 
Ministry for Internal Affairs. From 1981 to 2003, he served 
in various departments within the Russian Ministry 
for Internal Affairs. From 1991 to 2003, Mr. Baskov 
held managerial positions within the aforementioned 
Ministry's organizational structures.

In 2003, he was appointed Director of the Business 
Support Department for NOVATEK. In 2005, Mr. Baskov 
was appointed Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's 
Management Board and in 2007, he became a member of 
NOVATEK's Management Board.

Mr. Baskov has a PhD in Law. He was awarded the Order 
For Personal Courage, the Russian Federation's Order of 
the Badge of Honor and other state and departmental 
awards: Honorary Diplomas of the President of the 
Russian Federation, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the 
Governor of the Moscow Region. Mr. Baskov also has 
awards of the Russian Orthodox Church (Order of Holy 
Prince Daniel of Moscow, Order of Saint Seraphim of 
Sarov and a medal of St. Sergius).

Annual Report 201885

MR. VIKTOR N. BELYAKOV
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board for 
Economics and Finance
Born in 1973

Mr. Belyakov graduated from Tver State Technical 
University majoring in Automated Data Processing and 
Management Systems (1995) and in Information Systems 
in Economics (1997). In 2000, he completed an MBA 
degree program with Kingstone University (UK). A holder 
of CMA (Certified Management Accountant).

From 2004 till 2014 Mr. Belyakov worked for PAO Uralkali, 
where he successively held the positions of Head of 
Division, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial 
Officer, Vice President for Finance, Deputy General 
Director, Executive Director. In 2015, he was appointed 
Vice President for Economics and Finance of PAO Far 
East Shipping Company (FESCO group). In February 2016, 
Viktor Belyakov joined PAO NOVATEK in the position 
of Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for 
Economics and Finance.

MR. MARK A. GYETVAY
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board
Born in 1957

Mr. Gyetvay studied at Arizona State University (Bachelor 
of Science, Accounting, 1981) and later at Pace University, 
New York (Graduate Studies in Strategic Management, 
1995). After graduation, Mr. Gyetvay worked in various 
capacities at a number of U. S. independent oil and 
gas companies where he specialized in financial and 
economic analysis for both upstream and downstream 
segments of the petroleum industry.

In 1994, Mr. Gyetvay began his work at Coopers and 
Lybrand, as Director, Strategic Energy Advisory Services. 
He subsequently moved to Moscow in 1995 with 
Coopers & Lybrand to lead the oil and gas practice. He 
was admitted as a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Global Energy where he assumed the role of client 
service engagement partner, Utilities and Mining practice, 
based in Russia (Moscow office). Mr. Gyetvay was an 
engagement partner on various energy and mining clients 
providing overall project management, financial and 
operational expertise, maintaining and supporting client 
service relationships as well as serving as concurring 
partner on transaction services to the petroleum sector.

and the CIS, and by Institutional Investor magazine as 
one of the Top Five CFO's in Europe's Oil and Gas sector. 
Institutional Investor voted him as the Best CFO in the 
EMEA Oil and Gas category for 2017. Finance Monthly 
magazine named Mark Gyetvay the Best CFO in Russia for 
the consecutive years of 2015 to 2018, and he received the 
Game Changer 2017 and 2018 Award for Russia.

From 2003 to 2014, Mr. Gyetvay was a member of 
NOVATEK's Board of Directors and served on the 
Investment and Strategy Committee. From 2003 to 2014, 
he was Chief Chief Financial Officer and, in August 2007, 
Mr. Gyetvay was elected to NOVATEK's Management 
Board. In July 2010, he became Deputy Chairman of 
NOVATEK's Management Board.

MR. SERGEY V. VASYUNIN
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board –
Operations Director
Born in 1967

In 1993, Sergey Vasyunin graduated from the Ufa Oil 
Institute, specializing in the Development and Operation 
of Oil and Gas Fields. Between 1993 and 1997, Mr. 
Vasyunin was employed with Condor as deputy director, 
Stroykomplekt as head of sales department, and with 
OAO Spetsnefteenergomontazhavtomatika –as marketing 
engineer. From 1998, he worked in the Urengoygazprom 
industrial association of OAO Gazprom where he served 
in the capacity of an oil, gas and condensate production 
foreman. Between 2002 and 2017, Mr. Vasyunin was 
employed in the positions of Gas Condensate Production 
Shop Manager, Deputy General Director for operations, 
and First Deputy General Director –Chief Engineer of OOO 
NOVATEK-YURKHAROVNEFTEGAS. In April 2017, he was 
appointed Deputy Chairman of the Management Board –
Director for Operations of NOVATEK.

In 2005, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Energy 
issued a commendation to Sergey Vasyunin. He holds the 
Honored Employee of NOVATEK title.

MR. EDUARD S. GUDKOV
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board
Born in: 1980

In 2002, Mr. Gudkov graduated from the Penza State 
University where he specialized in law. In 2006, he 
received a PhD in Law.

Mr. Gyetvay is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive 
status), a member of the American Institute of Certified 
Public Accountants and an associate member of the 
Society of Petroleum Engineers. He is a recognized 
expert in the oil and gas industry, a frequent speaker at 
various industry and investor conferences, has published 
numerous articles on various oil and gas industry topics 
and was a former member of PwC's Petroleum Thought 
Leadership team. He has been recognized by Investor 
Relations Magazine as one of the best CFO's in Russia 

Between 1999 and 2003, Mr. Gudkov worked in the 
Russian Ministry for Antitrust Policy and Support of 
Entrepreneurship. In 2003, he joined the Russian Supreme 
Arbitrazh Court where he held the position of Assistant 
to the First Deputy Chairman. From 2012, Mr. Gudkov 
worked at the Executive Office of the Russian Federation 
Government. In 2013, he was appointed Assistant to 
the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation –
Head of the Executive Office of the Russian Federation 
Government.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint86

Since September 2018, Mr. Gudkov has been Deputy 
Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board. In 2018, 
Mr. Gudkov was awarded the Medal of the 2nd Degree 
Order for Merits and Dedicated Service to the Country.

MR. DENIS B. SOLOVYEV
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board –
Director of Corporate Communications Department
Born in: 1977

MR. EVGENY A. KOT
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board –
Director for LNG
Born in: 1974

Mr. Kot graduated from the Tyumen State Academy of 
Architecture and Civil Engineering where he specialized 
in Economics and Company Management. He received 
a PhD in Economics from the Saint Petersburg State 
University of Engineering and Economics.

Between 1997 and 2001, Mr. Kot worked in the Tyumen 
branch of Gazprombank. From 2001 to 2002, he was 
employed by OAO SNP NOVA and OAO Oil and Gas 
Company ITERA.

In 2002, Mr. Kot joined NOVATEK. Between 2009 
and 2011, he held the position of Deputy Chairman of 
the Management Board –Director of LNG Business 
Development of NOVATEK. Between 2010 and 2014, 
he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yamal 
LNG. From 2014 to 2018, Mr. Kot was General Director of 
Yamal LNG.

In December 2018, he was appointed Deputy Chairman of 
the Management Board –Director for LNG of NOVATEK.

MS. TATYANA S. KUZNETSOVA
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board
Director of NOVATEK's Legal Department
Born in 1960

Ms. Kuznetsova graduated from the Far East State 
University with a degree in Law. From 1986, she was Senior 
Legal Advisor for a legal bureau. In 1993, Ms. Kuznetsova 
became Deputy General Director for Legal Issues and from 
1996, Marketing Director for OAO Purneftegasgeologiya. 
In 1998, she was appointed Deputy General Director of 
OAO Nordpipes. Since 2002, she has been Director of the 
Legal Department at NOVATEK. Since 2005, she has been 
the Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board –
Director of NOVATEK's Legal Department and in August 
2007, she became a member of NOVATEK's Management 
Board. Ms. Kuznetsova has the title “Honored employee of 
PAO NOVATEK”, and is awarded the 2nd Degree Order of 
Merit for the Fatherland.

In 2000, Mr. Solovyev graduated from the Lomonosov 
Moscow State University with a degree in Political 
Science. In 2003, he completed postgraduate studies at 
the Lomonosov Moscow State University with a degree 
in History. In 2000, he was appointed Deputy General 
Director of Senat PR LLC. In 2004, Denis Solovyev 
assumed the role of an adviser to the Krasnoyarsk 
Territory Deputy Governor and Assistant First Deputy 
Governor at the Krasnoyarsk Territory Board of 
Administration. Between 2006 and 2008, he headed 
an election projects group of the United Russia Central 
Electoral Commission Directorate.

Mr. Solovyev has been working for NOVATEK since 
2008: in the capacity of Public Relations Director (until 
2014), and Communications Director –Director of Public 
Relations Department (from January 2014.).

In September 2018, Mr. Solovyev was appointed Deputy 
Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board and Director 
of Corporate Communications Department.

Mr. Solovyev has received several letters of recognition, 
honorable mentions from the Russian Ministry of Natural 
Resources and the Environment as well as from the 
Parliament of the Khanty-Mansy Autonomous Region. In 
2018, he received an award from the Russian Ministry of 
Energy and an honorable mention from the Governor of 
the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region.

MR. ILYA V. TAFINTSEV
Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board
Born in 1985

In 2006, Mr. Tafintsev obtained a BA in Economics from 
the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. In 2007, he 
graduated from the University of London (UK), where he 
majored in investment and finance.

From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Tafintsev held the position of 
Deputy Director of NOVATEK's Representative Office in 
London. Between 2011 and 2014, he was a Finance and 
Investment Advisor with United Bureau of Consultants 
Limited.

From 2013 to 2015, he served as Strategic Projects Director 
of NOVATEK. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Tafintsev was Member 
of the Board of Directors of SIBUR Holding. Between 2014 
and 2016, he held the position of Chairman of the Board 
of Directors of Yamal LNG. In December 2015, Mr. Tafintsev 
was appointed Member of the Management Board –
Director for Strategic Projects of NOVATEK.

Since September 2018, he has been Deputy Chairman of 
NOVATEK's Management Board.

Annual Report 201887

Report on major, and interested-
party transactions that the 
Company did in the reporting 
year

Information in this section of the Annual Report 2018 is 
not provided pursuant to the Order of the Government of 
the Russian Federation No. 10 dated 15 January 2018.

Corporate Governance Code 
Compliance Report

This Corporate Governance Code Compliance Report 
(hereinafter “the Report”) was reviewed at the meeting 
of PAO NOVATEK's Board of Directors on 19 March 2019 
(Minutes No. 218).

The Board of Directors certifies that data in this Report 
contain full and reliable information on compliance by 
the Company with the principles and recommendations 
of the Corporate Governance Code for 2018.

When assessing our compliance with corporate 
governance principles as set out in the Code, we were 
guided by the Guidelines for Reporting on Compliance 
with the Corporate Governance Code recommended by 
the Bank of Russia in its Letter No. IN-06-52 / 8 dated 17 
February 2016.

An overview of the most relevant aspects of the 
corporate governance model and practices in the 
Company is presented in the Corporate Governance 
section of this Annual Report.

MR. LEV V. FEODOSYEV
First Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management 
Board
Born in 1979

In 2002, Mr. Feodosyev graduated from the Bauman 
Moscow State Technical University with a degree in 
Machinery and Foundry Engineering Technologies. In 
2002, Mr. Feodosyev was appointed lead specialist at 
the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation. Since 
2003, he has served as lead specialist, senior specialist, 
adviser, deputy head of section, Deputy Director of 
Department at the Ministry of Economic Development 
and Trade of the Russian Federation. Since October 
2007, Lev Feodosyev has worked for NOVATEK. Before 
2011, he worked at NOVATEK as Director of the Strategic 
Planning and Development Department. From 2011, 
he was appointed as Deputy Commercial Director, 
Director of the Marketing and Gas Sales Department of 
NOVATEK. Since February 2015, Mr. Feodosyev has been 
Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, Commercial 
Director of NOVATEK.

In February 2018, he was appointed First Deputy 
Chairman of NOVATEK's Management Board. In 2014, 
Mr. Feodosyev was awarded NOVATEK's Honorary 
Certificate.

MR. ALEXANDER M. FRIDMAN
First Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK's Management 
Board
Born in 1951

In 1973, Mr. Fridman graduated from the Gubkin Institute 
of Oil and Gas in Moscow, with a degree in Oil and Gas 
Fields Development and Exploitation. From 1973, he 
was employed by various Gazprom companies: as Chief 
Engineer of Nadymgazprom, Head of the Production 
and Technical Department of the Industrial Association, 
and Chief Engineer of Mostransgaz's Kaluga Department 
for Gas Transportation and Underground Storage. From 
1992 to 2003, he was Technical Director and First Deputy 
General Director of a joint venture established by PAO 
Gazprom and DKG-EAST (Hungary). Since 2003, Fridman 
has been the Deputy General Director of Novafininvest. In 
2004, Alexander Fridman was elected Deputy Chairman 
of the Management Board of NOVATEK. In August 2007, 
he was elected a member of NOVATEK's Management 
Board. Since February 2015, he has been First Deputy 
Chairman of the Management Board of NOVATEK. Mr. 
Fridman is the recipient of the title of honor “Honored 
Man of the Oil and Gas Industry”.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint88

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

1.1

1.1.1

The Сompany should ensure equitable and fair treatment of every shareholder exercising their right to take part in 
managing the Сompany.

The Сompany ensures the 
most favorable conditions for 
its shareholders to participate 
in the general meeting, 
develop an informed position 
on agenda items of the 
general meeting, coordinate 
their actions, and voice their 
opinions on items considered.

1. The Сompany's internal document 
approved by the general meeting 
of shareholders and governing the 
procedures for holding the general 
meeting is publicly available.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. The Сompany provides accessible 
means of communication via 
hotline, e-mail or an online forum for 
shareholders to voice their opinions 
and submit questions on the agenda 
in preparing for the general meeting. 
The Сompany performed the above 
actions in advance of each general 
meeting held in the reporting period.

1.1.2

The procedure for giving notice 
of, and providing relevant 
materials for, the general 
meeting enables shareholders 
to properly prepare for 
attending the general meeting.

1. The notice of an upcoming general 
meeting of shareholders is posted 
(published) online at least 30 days 
prior to the date of the general 
meeting.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. The notice of an upcoming meeting 
specifies the meeting venue and 
documents required for admission.

3. Shareholders were given access 
to the information on who proposed 
the agenda items and who proposed 
nominees to the Company's board 
of directors and the revision 
commission.

1. In the reporting period, 
shareholders were able to put 
questions to members of executive 
bodies and members of the board 
of directors before and during the 
annual general meeting.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1.1.3

In preparing for, and holding the 
general meeting, shareholders 
were able to receive clear and 
timely information on the 
meeting and related materials, 
put questions to the Company's 
executive bodies and the 
board of directors, and to 
communicate with each other.

Annual Report 2018Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

2. The position of the board of 
directors (including dissenting 
opinions entered into the minutes) 
on each agenda item of general 
meetings held in the reporting 
period was included in the 
materials to the general meeting of 
shareholders.

Compliance 
status

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

89

Reasons for non-compliance

When convening General 
Meetings of Shareholders, the 
board of directors reviews all 
agenda items of the relevant 
meeting and presents them to 
the Meeting for consideration or 
provides necessary advice.

Materials to the General 
Meeting of Shareholders include 
recommendations of the board of 
directors as required by law.

In accordance with paragraph 1 of 
Art. 54 of the Russian Federal Law 
“On Joint Stock Companies”, the list 
of information (materials) provided 
to shareholders in preparation 
for the General Meeting of 
Shareholders is determined by the 
Board of Directors. Accordingly, 
the Board of Directors, if it deems 
it necessary, to include its position 
on the issues on the agenda of the 
general meeting of shareholders.

The Company considers the 
established procedure to be 
balanced, not bearing any 
risks for the Company and its 
shareholders, and does not plan 
to change the existing approach.

1.1.4

There were no unjustified 
difficulties preventing 
shareholders from exercising 
their right to request that a 
General Meeting be convened, 
to propose nominees to the 
Company's governing bodies, 
and to make proposals for 
the agenda of the General 
Meeting.

 –

 –

3. The Company gave duly 
authorized shareholders access to 
the list of persons entitled to attend 
the General Meeting, as from the 
date of its receipt by the Company, 
for all general meetings held in the 
reporting period.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1. In the reporting period, 
shareholders were able to submit, 
within at least 60 days after the 
end of the relevant calendar year, 
proposals for the agenda of the 
Annual General Meeting.

2. In the reporting period, the 
Company did not reject any 
proposals for the agenda or 
nominees to the Company's 
governing bodies due to misprints 
or other insignificant flaws in the 
shareholder's proposal.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint90

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

1.1.5

Each shareholder was able 
to freely exercise their voting 
right in the simplest and most 
convenient way.

1.1.6

The procedure for holding a 
General Meeting set by the 
Company provides equal 
opportunities for all persons 
attending the Meeting to 
voice their opinions and ask 
questions.

1. An internal document (internal 
policy) of the Company provides 
that each participant of the 
General Meeting may request a 
copy of the ballot filled out by 
them and certified by the counting 
commission before the end of the 
relevant meeting.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

 –

 –

1. General Meetings of Shareholders 
held in the reporting period in the 
form of a meeting (i. e. joint presence 
of shareholders) provided for 
sufficient time for making reports on 
and for discussing agenda items.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. Nominees to the Company's 
governing and control bodies were 
available to answer questions of 
shareholders at the Meeting at 
which their nominations were put 
to vote.

3. When passing resolutions on 
preparing and holding General 
Meetings of Shareholders, the 
board of directors considered using 
telecommunication means for 
remote access of shareholders to 
General Meetings in the reporting 
period.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1.2

Shareholders are given equal and fair opportunities to share profits of the Company in the form of dividends.

1.2.1

The Company has designed 
and put in place a transparent 
and clear mechanism to 
determine the dividend 
amount and payout procedure.

1.2.2

The Company does 
not resolve to pay out 
dividends if such payout, 
while formally compliant 
with law, is economically 
unjustified and may lead to 
a false representation of the 
Company's performance.

1.2.3

The Company does not allow 
for dividend rights of its 
existing shareholders to be 
impaired.

1. The Company has drafted and 
disclosed a dividend policy approved 
by the board of directors.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. If the Company's dividend policy 
uses reporting figures to determine 
the dividend amount, then relevant 
provisions of the dividend policy 
take into account the consolidated 
financial statements.

1. The Company's dividend policy 
clearly identifies financial / economic 
circumstances under which 
the Company shall not pay out 
dividends.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1. In the reporting period, the 
Company did not take any actions 
that would lead to the impairment 
of the dividend rights of its existing 
shareholders.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

Annual Report 2018Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

1.2.4

The Company makes 
every effort to prevent its 
shareholders from using other 
means to profit (gain) from the 
Company other than dividends 
and liquidation value.

1. To prevent shareholders from 
using other means to profit 
(gain) from the Company other 
than dividends and liquidation 
value, the Company's internal 
documents provide for controls to 
timely identify and approve deals 
with affiliates (associates) of the 
Company's substantial shareholders 
(persons entitled to use votes 
attached to voting shares) where 
the law does not formally recognize 
such deals as related-party 
transactions.

91

Compliance 
status

This 
principle 
is not 
complied 
with.

Reasons for non-compliance

This principle is not complied 
with as the Company believes 
that statutory controls are 
sufficient for relevant purposes. 
The Company does not transact 
with persons under control by 
substantial shareholders, which 
prevents substantial shareholders 
from profiting (gaining) from the 
Company.

The Company does not see any 
risks in the established practice, 
as the system of procurement 
procedures introduced in the 
Company ensures the conclusion 
of contracts on market terms.

1.3

1.3.1

1.3.2

1.4

1.4.1

2.1

2.1.1

Corporate governance framework and practices should ensure equality for the shareholders owning the same type 
(class) of shares, including minority and non-resident shareholders, and their equitable treatment by the Company.

The Company has created 
conditions for fair treatment 
of each shareholder by the 
Company's governing and 
control bodies, including 
conditions that rule out abuse 
by major shareholders against 
minority shareholders.

The Company does not take 
any actions that lead or may 
lead to artificial redistribution 
of corporate control.

1. In the reporting period, procedures 
for management of potential 
conflicts of interest among 
substantial shareholders were 
efficient, while the board of directors 
paid due attention to conflicts, if 
any, between shareholders.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1. No quasi-treasury shares were 
issued or used to vote in the 
reporting period.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

Shareholders are provided with reliable and efficient means of recording their rights to shares and are able to 
freely dispose of their shares without any hindrance.

Shareholders are provided with 
reliable and efficient means of 
recording their rights to shares 
and are able to freely dispose 
of their shares without any 
hindrance.

1. The Company's registrar maintains 
the share register in an efficient and 
reliable way that meets the needs of 
the Company and its shareholders.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

The board of directors provides strategic management of the Company, determines key principles of, and 
approaches to, setting up a corporate risk management and internal control framework, monitors performance by 
the Company's executive bodies, and performs other key functions.

1. The board of directors has the 
authority stipulated in the Articles 
of Association to appoint and 
remove members of executive 
bodies and to set out the terms and 
conditions of their contracts.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

The issue of determining the 
amount of remuneration paid to 
the Chairman of the Management 
Board based on the results of 
the work for the year, falls within 
the authority of the Board of 
Directors.

The board of directors is 
responsible for appointing 
and dismissing executive 
bodies, including for 
improper performance of 
their duties. The board of 
directors also ensures that 
the Company's executive 
bodies act in accordance with 
the Company's approved 
development strategy and 
core lines of business.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint92

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

In accordance with the Company's 
Articles of Association, the 
members of the Management 
Board are elected by the Board 
of Directors from among the 
Company's employees, solely 
on the recommendation of the 
Chairman of the Management 
Board. The amounts of official 
salaries and other terms of 
employment contracts with the 
Company's employees, including 
members of the Management 
Board, are determined by the 
Chairman of the Management 
Board taking into account the 
parameters of the Company's 
business plan approved by the 
Board of Directors.

The Company considers the 
established procedure to be 
effective, balanced, not bearing 
any risks for the Company and its 
shareholders, and does not plan to 
change the existing approach.

2. The board of directors 
reviewed the report(s) by the sole 
executive body or members of the 
collective executive body on the 
implementation of the Company's 
strategy.

2.1.2

The board of directors sets 
key long-term targets for 
the company, assesses and 
approves its key performance 
indicators and key business 
goals, as well as the strategy 
and business plans for the 
Company's core lines of 
business.

At its meetings in the reporting 
period, the board of directors 
reviewed strategy implementation 
and updates, approval of the 
Company's financial and business 
plan (budget), and criteria and 
performance (including interim) 
of the Company's strategy and 
business plans.

 –

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.1.3

The Board of Directors 
defines the Company's risk 
management and internal 
control principles and 
approaches.

1. The Board of Directors defined 
the Company's risk management 
and internal control principles and 
approaches.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

2. The Board of Directors assessed 
the Company's risk management 
and internal control system in the 
reporting period.

Annual Report 2018Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

93

2.1.4

The board of directors 
determines the Company's 
remuneration and 
reimbursement (compensation) 
policy for its directors, 
members of executive bodies 
and other key executives.

1. The company developed and 
put in place a remuneration and 
reimbursement (compensation) 
policy (policies), approved by the 
board of directors, for its directors, 
members of executive bodies and 
other key executives.

2. At its meetings in the reporting 
period, the Board of Directors 
discussed matters related to such 
policy (policies). 

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

The costs of the Management 
Board members and other key 
executives of the Company shall 
be reimbursed (compensated) 
under the applicable legislation.

Remuneration of members of the 
Management Board and other key 
employees of the Company shall 
be effected upon the decision of 
the Chairman of the Management 
Board within the amount 
determined with consideration of 
the parameters of the Company's 
business plan approved by the 
Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors also 
determines the remuneration of 
the Chairman of the Management 
Board based on the performance 
of the Company in the reporting 
year.

The Company considers the 
established procedure to be 
balanced, not bearing any 
risks for the Company and its 
shareholders, and does not plan 
to change the existing approach.

2.1.5

2.1.6

2.1.7

The Board of Directors plays 
a key role in preventing, 
identifying and resolving 
internal conflicts between 
the Company's bodies, 
shareholders and employees.

The board of directors plays 
a key role in ensuring that 
the company is transparent, 
timely and fully discloses its 
information, and provides its 
shareholders with unhindered 
access to the Company's 
documents.

The board of directors controls 
the Company's corporate 
governance practices and 
plays a key role in material 
corporate events of the 
company.

1. The board of directors plays a key 
role in preventing, identifying and 
resolving internal conflicts.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. The company set up mechanisms 
to identify transactions leading to 
a conflict of interest and to resolve 
such conflicts.

1. The board of directors approved 
the Company's information policy 
regulations.

2. The company identified persons 
responsible for implementing the 
information policy.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1. In the reporting period, the board 
of directors reviewed the Company's 
corporate governance practices.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint94

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

2.2

The board of directors is accountable to the Company's shareholders.

2.2.1

Performance of the board 
of directors is disclosed 
and made available to the 
shareholders.

1. The Company's annual report 
for the reporting period includes 
the information on individual 
attendance at board of directors 
and committee meetings.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.2.2 The chairman of the board 

of directors is available 
to communicate with the 
Company's shareholders.

2. The annual report discloses key 
performance assessment results 
of the board of directors in the 
reporting period.

1. The company has in place a 
transparent procedure enabling 
shareholders to forward questions 
and express their position on such 
questions to the chairman of the 
board of directors.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.3

The board of directors manages the company in an efficient and competent manner and make fair and independent 
judgments and decisions in line with the best interests of the company and its shareholders.

2.3.1 Only persons of impeccable 
business and personal 
reputation who have 
knowledge, expertise and 
experience required to make 
decisions within the authority 
of the board of directors 
and essential to perform its 
functions in an efficient way 
are elected to the board of 
directors.

2.3.2 The Company's directors are 

elected via a transparent 
procedure that enables 
shareholders to obtain 
information on nominees 
sufficient to to judge their 
personal qualities.

2.3.3 The board of directors has 

a balanced membership, 
including in terms of directors' 
qualifications, experience, 
expertise and business 
qualities, and enjoys its 
shareholders' trust.

1. The procedure for assessing the 
board of directors' performance 
established in the company 
includes, inter alia, assessment of 
professional qualifications of the 
board members.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. In the reporting period, the board 
of directors (or its nomination 
committee) assessed nominees to 
the board of directors for required 
experience, knowledge, business 
reputation, absence of conflicts of 
interest, etc.

1. Whenever the agenda of the 
general meeting of shareholders 
included election of the board of 
directors, the company provided 
to shareholders the biographical 
details of all nominees to the board 
of directors, the results of their 
assessment carried out by the 
board of directors (or its nomination 
committee), and the information 
on whether the nominee meets 
the independence criteria set forth 
in Recommendations 102-107 of 
the Code, as well as the nominees' 
written consent to be elected to the 
board of directors.

1. As part of assessment of the 
board of directors' performance run 
in the reporting period, the board of 
directors reviewed its requirements 
for professional qualifications, 
experience and business skills.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

Annual Report 201895

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

2.3.4 The company has a sufficient 
number of directors to 
organize the board of directors' 
activities in the most efficient 
way, including ability to set 
up committees of the board 
of directors and enable 
the Company's substantial 
minority shareholders to elect 
a nominee to the board of 
directors for whom they vote.

1. As part of assessment of the 
board of directors' performance run 
in the reporting period, the board 
of directors considered whether 
the number of directors met the 
Company's needs and shareholders' 
interests.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.4

The board of directors includes a sufficient number of independent directors.

2.4.1 An independent director is 
a person who is sufficiently 
professional, experienced and 
independent to develop their 
own position, and capable of 
making unbiased judgements 
in good faith, free of influence 
by the Company's executive 
bodies, individual groups 
of shareholders or other 
stakeholders. It should be 
noted that a nominee (elected 
director) who is related to 
the company, its substantial 
shareholder, substantial 
counterparty or competitor 
of the company, or related to 
the government, may not be 
considered as independent 
under normal circumstances.

2.4.2 The company assesses 

compliance of nominees to the 
board of directors and reviews 
compliance of independent 
directors with independence 
criteria on a regular basis. In 
such assessment, substance 
should prevail over form.

2.4.3

Independent directors make 
up at least one third of the 
elected board members.

1. In the reporting period, all 
independent directors met all 
independence criteria set out in 
Recommendations 102-107 of the 
Code or were deemed independent 
by the board of directors.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1. In the reporting period, the board 
of directors (or its nomination 
committee) made a judgement on 
independence of each nominee to 
the board of directors and provided 
its opinion to shareholders.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. In the reporting period, the board of 
directors (or its nomination committee) 
reviewed, at least once, the 
independence of incumbent directors 
listed by the company as independent 
directors in its annual report.

3. The company has in place 
procedures defining the actions to 
be taken by a member of the board 
of directors if they cease to be 
independent, including the obligation 
to timely notify the board of directors 
thereof.

1. Independent directors make up at 
least one third of the board members.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint96

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

2.4.4 Independent directors play a 
key role in preventing internal 
conflicts in the company and 
in ensuring that the company 
performs material corporate 
actions.

1. Independent directors (with 
no conflicts of interest) run a 
preliminary assessment of material 
corporate actions implying a 
potential conflict of interests and 
submit the results to the board of 
directors.

Compliance 
status

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

Reasons for non-compliance

In accordance with the 
Company's Articles of 
Association, the Regulations on 
the Board of Directors and the 
Regulations on the Committees 
of the Board of Directors, a 
large block of issues related to 
significant corporate actions 
is preliminarily considered by 
the Audit Committee and the 
Remuneration Committee 
consisting of independent 
directors. In addition, most of 
such decisions shall be approved 
by the Board of Directors, if 
8 out of 9 directors voted for the 
corresponding decision. Thus, 
any two independent directors 
may block the adoption of an 
undesirable decision in their 
opinion.

The Company believes that 
independent directors have 
sufficient capacity to assess 
significant corporate actions.

2.5

2.5.1

The chairperson of the board ensures that the board of directors discharges its duties in the most effective and 
efficient way.

The board of directors is 
chaired by an independent 
director, or a senior 
independent director 
supervising the activities 
of other independent 
directors and interacting 
with the chairman of the 
board of directors is chosen 
from among the elected 
independent directors.

1. The board of directors is chaired by 
an independent director, or a senior 
independent director is appointed 
from among the independent 
directors.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

2. The role, rights and duties of the 
chairman of the board of directors 
(and, if applicable, of the senior 
independent director) are duly 
set out in the Company's internal 
documents.

The role of independent 
directors on the Company's 
Board of Directors is 
very important, since the 
Audit Committee and the 
Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee of the Board of 
Directors are comprised of 
independent directors only. 
Formally, the Chairman of 
the Board of Directors is not 
an Independent Director. 
However, the Chairman of the 
Board of Directors meets all 
independence criteria, except 
for his tenure on the Board of 
Directors. For chairmanship 
purposes, the directors elected 
the most experienced of the 
Board members who is not an 
independent director.

The Company considers the 
established procedure to be 
balanced and does not plan to 
change the existing approach.

Annual Report 201897

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

2.5.2 The chairman of the board 

of directors maintains a 
constructive environment 
at meetings, enables free 
discussion of agenda items, 
and supervises the execution 
of resolutions passed by the 
board of directors.

Compliance criteria

1. Performance of the chairman of 
the board of directors was assessed 
as part of assessment of the board 
of directors' performance in the 
reporting period.

Compliance 
status

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

Reasons for non-compliance

 –

2.5.3 The chairman of the board 
of directors takes all steps 
necessary for the timely 
provision to members of 
the board of directors of 
information required to pass 
resolutions on agenda items.

1. The Company's internal documents 
set out the duty of the chairman 
of the board of directors to take 
all steps necessary for the timely 
provision to members of the board of 
directors with materials on agenda 
items of the board meeting.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.6

Directors act reasonably and in good faith in the best interests of the company and its shareholders, on a fully 
informed basis and with due care and diligence.

2.6.1 Directors pass resolutions on 

a fully informed basis, with 
no conflict of interest, subject 
to equal treatment of the 
Company's shareholders, and 
assuming normal business 
risks.

2.6.2 The rights and duties of 

directors are clearly stated and 
incorporated in the Company's 
internal documents.

2.6.3 Directors have sufficient time 
to perform their duties.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1. The Company's internal documents 
provide that a director should notify 
the board of directors of any existing 
conflict of interest as to any agenda 
item of the meeting of the board of 
directors or its committee, prior to 
discussion of the relevant agenda 
item.

2. The Company's internal documents 
provide that a director should 
abstain from voting on any item in 
connection with which they have a 
conflict of interest.

3. The company has in place a 
procedure enabling the board of 
directors to get professional advice 
on matters within its remit at the 
expense of the company.

1. The company adopted and 
published an internal document 
that clearly defines the rights and 
duties of directors.

1. Individual attendance at board 
and committee meetings, as well 
as time devoted to preparation for 
attending meetings, was recorded 
as part of the procedure for 
assessing the board of directors in 
the reporting period.

2. Under the Company's internal 
documents, directors notify the 
board of directors of their intentions 
to be elected to governing bodies 
in other entities (apart from the 
entities controlled by, or affiliated to, 
the company), and of their election 
to such bodies.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint98

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

2.6.4 All directors shall have equal 

access to the Company's 
documents and information. 
Newly elected directors are 
furnished with sufficient 
information about the 
Company and performance of 
the board of directors as soon 
as possible.

1. Under the Company's internal 
documents, directors are entitled 
to access documents and make 
requests on the company and its 
controlled entities, while executive 
bodies of the company should 
furnish all relevant information and 
documents.

2. The Company has in place a 
formalized onboarding program for 
newly elected Directors.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.7

2.7.1

2.7.2

2.7.3

Meetings of the board of directors, preparation for such meetings and participation of board members therein 
ensure efficient performance by the board of directors.

Board meetings are held as 
needed, taking into account 
the scale of operations and 
goals of the company at a 
particular time.

The Company's internal 
regulations stipulate the 
procedure to prepare for and 
hold the board's meetings, 
enabling the directors to make 
proper preparations for them:

The format of the meeting 
of the board of directors 
is determined taking into 
account the importance of 
items on the agenda. The most 
important matters are dealt 
with at meetings of the board 
of directors held in person.

1. The board of directors held at 
least six meetings in the reporting 
year.

1. The company has an approved 
internal document that describes 
the procedure for arranging and 
holding meetings of the board of 
directors and sets out, in particular, 
that the notice of the meeting shall 
be given, as a rule, at least five days 
prior to such meeting.

1. The Company's charter or internal 
document provides for the most 
important matters (as per the list 
set out in Recommendation 168 of 
the Code) to be passed at in-person 
meetings of the board of directors.

 –

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.7.4 Resolutions on most 

important matters relating 
to the Company's operations 
are passed at a meeting of 
the board of directors by a 
qualified majority or by a 
majority of all elected board 
members.

1. The Company's charter provides 
for the most important matters set 
out in Recommendation 170 of the 
Code to be passed at a meeting of 
the board of directors by a qualified 
majority of at least three quarters 
or by a majority of all elected board 
members.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

The Company's Articles of 
Association do not provide for 
resolutions of the Board to be 
passed by qualified majority on 
the following matters:

•  submission to the General 

Meeting of matters relating to 
the Company's liquidation
•  submission to the General 

Meeting of matters relating 
to amendments to the 
Company's Articles of 
Association

•  review of material issues 

relating to operations of legal 
entities controlled by the 
Company.

Annual Report 2018Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

99

The Company deems sufficient 
the existing norm stipulated in 
the legislation and the Articles of 
Association according to which 
decisions on amendments and 
additions in the Company's Articles 
of Association, including approval 
of the latter in a new wording, as 
well as on Company's liquidation, 
appointment of a winding up 
commission and approval of 
the interim and final liquidation 
balance shall be made by the 
general shareholders meeting by 
the three-fourths majority of the 
votes of shareholders holding the 
voting shares and taking part in 
the general shareholders meeting.

The Company considers the 
established procedure to be 
balanced, not bearing any risks, 
and does not plan to change the 
existing approach.

2.8

2.8.1

The board of directors sets up committees for preliminary consideration of the most important issues related to 
the business of the company.

To preview matters related 
to controlling the Company's 
financial and business 
activities, it is recommended 
to set up an audit committee 
comprised of independent 
directors.

1. The board of directors has set 
up an audit committee comprised 
solely of independent directors.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. The Company's internal 
documents set out the tasks of the 
audit committee, including those 
listed in Recommendation 172 of the 
Code.

3. At least one member of the 
audit committee represented by an 
independent director has experience 
and knowledge of preparing, 
analyzing, assessing and auditing 
accounting (financial) statements.

4. Meetings of the audit committee 
were held at least once a quarter 
during the reporting period.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint100

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

1. The board of directors has set up a 
remuneration committee comprised 
solely of independent directors.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. The remuneration committee is 
headed by an independent director 
who is not the chairman of the 
board of directors.

3. The Company's internal 
documents set out the tasks of the 
remuneration committee, including 
those listed in Recommendation 
180 of the Code.

1. The board of directors has set up 
a nomination committee (its tasks 
listed in Recommendation 186 of 
the Code are fulfilled by another 
committee, the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee) 
predominantly comprised of 
independent directors.

2. The Company's internal 
documents set out the tasks of the 
nomination committee (or the tasks 
of the committee with combined 
functions), including those listed in 
Recommendation 186 of the Code.

1. In the reporting period, the board 
of directors considered whether 
the composition of its committees 
was in line with the board's tasks 
and the Company's business goals. 
Additional committees were either 
set up or not deemed necessary.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.8.2 To preview matters related 
to adopting an efficient and 
transparent remuneration 
scheme, a remuneration 
committee is set up, comprised 
of independent directors and 
headed by an independent 
director who is not the 
chairman of the board of 
directors.

2.8.3 To preview matters related 

to talent management 
(succession planning), 
professional composition 
and efficiency of the board 
of directors, a nomination 
(HR) committee is set up, 
predominantly comprised of 
independent directors.

2.8.4 Taking into account the 

Company's scope of 
business and level of risks, 
the Company's board of 
directors made sure that the 
composition of its committees 
is fully in line with Company's 
business goals. Additional 
committees were either set 
up or not deemed necessary 
(strategy committee, corporate 
governance committee, ethics 
committee, risk management 
committee, budget committee, 
health, safety and environment 
committee, etc.). 

Annual Report 2018101

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

2.8.5 Committees are composed so 

as to enable comprehensive 
discussions of matters under 
preview, taking into account 
the diversity of opinions.

1. Committees of the board 
of directors are headed by 
independent directors.

2. The Company's internal 
documents (policies) include 
provisions stipulating that persons 
who are not members of the 
audit committee, the nomination 
committee and the remuneration 
committee may attend committee 
meetings only by invitation of 
the chairman of the respective 
committee.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

The Board of Directors' audit 
committee and remuneration 
and nomination committee are 
not only headed by but also fully 
consist of independent directors.

Formally, the director heading 
an additional committee, the 
Strategy Committe, is not an 
independent director. However, 
he meets all independence 
criteria, except for his tenure on 
the Board of Directors.

The Company does not see any 
risks in this.

2.8.6 Committee chairmen inform 

the board of directors and its 
chairman on the work of their 
committees on a regular basis.

1. During the reporting period, 
committee chairmen reported to the 
board of directors on the work of 
committees on a regular basis.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

2.9

2.9.1

The board of directors ensures performance assessment of the board of directors, its committees and members of 
the board of directors.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

The board of directors' 
performance assessment is 
aimed at determining the 
efficiency of the board of 
directors, its committees and 
members, consistency of their 
work with the Company's 
development requirements, 
as well as bolstering the work 
of the board of directors 
and identifying areas for 
improvement.

1. Self-assessment or external 
assessment of the board of 
directors' performance carried out 
in the reporting period included 
performance assessment of the 
committees, individual members of 
the board of directors and the board 
of directors in general.

2. Results of self-assessment or 
external assessment of the board of 
directors' performance carried out in 
the reporting period were reviewed 
at the in-person meeting of the 
board.

1. The company engaged an external 
advisor to conduct an independent 
assessment of the board of 
directors' performance at least once 
over the last three reporting periods.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2.9.2 Performance of the board of 
directors, its committees and 
directors is assessed on a 
regular basis at least once a 
year. An external organization 
(advisor) is engaged at least 
once in three years to conduct 
an independent assessment 
of the board of directors' 
performance.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint102

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

3.1

3.1.1

3.1.2

4.1

4.1.1

4.1.2

The Company's corporate secretary ensures efficient ongoing interaction with shareholders, coordinates the 
Company's efforts to protect shareholder rights and interests and supports the activities of the board of directors.

The corporate secretary has 
the knowledge, experience 
and qualifications sufficient to 
perform his / her duties, as well 
as an impeccable reputation 
and the trust of shareholders.

1. The company has adopted and 
published an internal document –
regulations on the corporate 
secretary.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. The biographical data of the 
corporate secretary are published 
on the corporate website and in the 
Company's annual report with the 
same level of detail as for members 
of the board of directors and the 
Company's executives.

The corporate secretary is 
sufficiently independent of 
the Company's executive 
bodies and has the powers and 
resources required to perform 
his / her tasks.

The board of directors approves 
the appointment, removal and 
additional remuneration of the 
corporate secretary.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

Remuneration paid by the company is sufficient to attract, motivate and retain persons who have competencies 
and qualifications required by the company. Directors, executive body members and other key managers are 
remunerated as per the Company's remuneration policy.

Relevant comments are provided 
in items 2.1.1. and 2.1.4 hereof.

1. The company has in place 
an internal document (internal 
documents) –the policy (policies) 
on remuneration of members of 
the board of directors, executive 
bodies and other key executives, 
which clearly defines (define) the 
approaches to remuneration of the 
above persons.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

1. During the reporting period, the 
remuneration committee considered 
the remuneration policy (policies) 
and the practical aspects of its 
(their) introduction and presented 
relevant recommendations to the 
board of directors as required.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

The amount of remuneration 
paid by the company to 
members of the board of 
directors, executive bodies 
and other key executives 
creates sufficient incentives 
for them to work efficiently, 
while enabling the company to 
engage and retain competent 
and qualified specialists. At 
the same time, the company 
avoids unnecessarily high 
remuneration, as well as 
unjustifiably large gaps 
between remunerations of 
the above persons and the 
Company's employees.

The Company's remuneration 
policy is developed by the 
remuneration committee 
and approved by the board 
of directors. The board of 
directors, assisted by the 
remuneration committee, 
ensures control over 
the introduction and 
implementation of the 
Company's remuneration 
policy, revising and amending 
it as required.

Annual Report 2018103

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

4.2

4.2.1

Directors' remuneration ensures that their financial interests are aligned with long-term financial interests of 
shareholders.

1. Fixed annual remuneration 
was the only form of monetary 
remuneration payable to members 
of the board of directors for their 
service on the board of directors 
during the reporting period.

This principle is 
complied with.

 –

The company pays fixed annual 
remuneration to members of 
the board of directors.

The company does not pay 
remuneration for attending 
particular meetings of the board 
of directors or its committees.

The company does not apply 
any form of short-term 
motivation or additional 
financial incentive for members 
of the board of directors.

4.2.2 Long-term ownership of 

the Company's shares helps 
align the financial interests 
of members of the board 
of directors with long-term 
interests of shareholders to 
the utmost. At the same time, 
the company does not link 
the right to dispose of shares 
to performance targets, and 
members of the board of 
directors do not participate in 
stock option plans.

1. If the Company's internal 
document(s) – the remuneration 
policy (policies) stipulates 
(stipulate) provision of the 
Company's shares to members of 
the board of directors, clear rules for 
share ownership by board members 
are defined and disclosed, aimed at 
stimulating long-term ownership of 
such shares.

4.2.3 The company does not provide 
for any extra payments or 
compensations in the event 
of early termination of office 
of members of the board of 
directors resulting from the 
change of control or any other 
reasons whatsoever.

1. The company does not provide 
for any extra payments or 
compensations in the event of early 
termination of office of members 
of the board of directors resulting 
from the change of control or any 
other reasons whatsoever.

 –

Not applicable, 
since the 
Regulations 
on Remunera-
tion and 
Compensations 
Payable to 
Members of PAO 
NOVATEK board 
of directors does 
not provide for 
remuneration 
of the directors 
with company 
shares.

This principle is 
complied with.

 –

4.3

Remuneration of executive body members and other key managers is linked to the Company's results and their 
personal contribution thereto.

4.3.1 Remuneration due to members 

of executive bodies and other 
key executives of the company 
is determined in a manner 
providing for reasonable 
and justified ratio of the 
fixed and variable parts of 
remuneration, depending on 
the Company's performance 
and the employee's personal 
contribution.

This principle 
is not fully 
complied with.

1. In the reporting period, annual 
performance results approved by 
the board of directors were used 
to determine the amount of the 
variable part of remuneration due 
to members of executive bodies and 
other key executives of the company.

2. During the latest assessment of the 
system of remuneration for members 
of executive bodies and other key 
executives of the company, the board 
of directors (remuneration committee) 
made sure that the company applies 
an efficient ratio of the fixed and 
variable parts of remuneration.

The procedure for 
defining and payment of 
bonuses to members of 
the Management Board 
and other key executives 
existing in the Company 
does not allow illegal 
receipt of bonus payments 
by the persons named. 
The Company believes the 
executive bodies' members' 
civil liability norms set out 
in the applicable law to be 
sufficient.

Expanding Our  Global LNG FootprintReasons for non-compliance

Relevant comments are provided 
in items 2.1.1. and 2.1.4 hereof.

Compliance 
status

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

104

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

The Company's remuneration 
policy includes transparent 
mechanisms for determining 
the amount of remuneration 
due to members of the board 
of directors, executive bodies 
and other key executives of 
the company, and regulates 
all types of expenses, benefits 
and privileges provided to such 
persons.

1. The Company's remuneration 
policy (policies) includes (include) 
transparent mechanisms for 
determining the amount of 
remuneration due to members of 
the board of directors, executive 
bodies and other key executives 
of the company, and regulates 
(regulate) all types of expenses, 
benefits and privileges provided to 
such persons.

4.1.3

4.1.4

1. The remuneration policy (policies) 
defines (define) the rules for 
reimbursement of costs incurred by 
members of the board of directors, 
executive bodies and other key 
executives of the company.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

The company defines a 
policy on reimbursement 
(compensation) of costs 
detailing a list of reimbursable 
expenses and specifying 
service levels that members 
of the board of directors, 
executive bodies and other 
key executives of the company 
can claim. Such policy can 
make part of the Company's 
remuneration policy.

4.3.2 The company put in place 

a long-term incentive 
programme for members of 
executive bodies and other 
key executives of the company 
with the use of the Company's 
shares (options and other 
derivative instruments where 
the Company's shares are the 
underlying asset). 

3. The company has in place a 
procedure that guarantees return 
to the company of bonus payments 
illegally received by members of 
executive bodies and other key 
executives of the company.

1. The company has in place a long-
term incentive program for members 
of executive bodies and other key 
executives of the company with 
the use of the Company's shares 
(financial instruments based on the 
Company's shares).

This 
principle 
is not 
complied 
with.

2. The long-term incentive program 
for members of executive bodies 
and other key executives of the 
company implies that the right to 
dispose of shares and other financial 
instruments used in this program 
takes effect at least three years 
after such shares or other financial 
instruments are granted. The right 
to dispose of such shares or other 
financial instruments is linked to the 
Company's performance targets.

Currently, the Company does not 
consider necessary implementing 
a long-term incentive program 
for members of executive bodies 
and other key executives of 
the company with the use of 
the Company shares (financial 
instruments based on the 
Company's shares). 

Annual Report 2018105

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

4.3.3 The compensation (golden 
parachute) payable by the 
company in case of early 
termination of powers 
of members of executive 
bodies or key executives at 
the Company's initiative, 
provided that there have been 
no actions in bad faith on 
their part, does not exceed 
the double amount of the 
fixed part of their annual 
remuneration.

1. In the reporting period, the 
compensation (golden parachute) 
payable by the company in case of 
early termination of the powers of 
executive bodies or key executives 
at the Company's initiative, 
provided that there have been no 
actions in bad faith on their part, 
did not exceed the double amount 
of the fixed part of their annual 
remuneration.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

5.1

5.1.1

5.1.2

5.1.3

5.1.4

The company put in place an effective risk management and internal control system to guarantee, in a reasonable 
manner, fulfillment of the Company's goals.

1. Functions of different 
management bodies and divisions 
of the company in the risk 
management and internal controls 
are clearly defined in the Company's 
internal documents / relevant policy 
approved by the board of directors.

1. The Company's executive 
bodies ensured the distribution of 
functions and powers related to risk 
management and internal controls 
between the heads (managers) 
of divisions and departments 
accountable to them.

1. The company has in place an 
approved anti-corruption policy.

2. The company established an 
accessible method of notifying the 
board of directors or the board's 
audit committee of breaches of any 
violations of the law, the Company's 
internal procedures and code of 
ethics.

1. In the reporting period, the board 
of directors or the Board's audit 
committee assessed the efficiency 
of the Company's risk management 
and internal controls. Key results of 
this assessment are included in the 
Company's annual report.

 –

 –

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

The board of directors of the 
Company has defined the 
Company's risk management 
and internal control principles 
and approaches.

The Company's executive 
bodies ensure establishment 
and continuous operation of 
efficient risk management 
and internal controls in the 
company.

The Company's risk 
management and internal 
controls ensure an objective, 
fair and clear view of the 
current state and future 
prospects of the company, 
the integrity and transparency 
of the Company's reporting, 
as well as reasonable and 
acceptable risk exposure.

The Company's board of 
directors shall take necessary 
measures to make sure 
that the Company's risk 
management and internal 
controls are consistent 
with the principles of, and 
approaches to, its setup 
determined by the board of 
directors, and that the system 
is functioning efficiently.

5.2

The company arranges for an internal audit, to assess reliability and performance of the risk management and internal 
control system on a regular and independent basis.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint106

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

5.2.1

The company set up a separate 
business unit or engaged 
an independent external 
organization to carry out 
internal audits.

Functional and administrative 
reporting lines of the internal 
audit department are 
delineated. The internal audit 
unit functionally reports to the 
board of directors.

5.2.2 The internal audit division 
assesses the performance 
of the internal controls, risk 
management, and corporate 
governance. The company 
applies generally accepted 
standards of internal audit.

1. To perform internal audits, 
the company set up a separate 
business unit –internal audit 
division, functionally reporting to 
the board of directors or to the 
audit committee, or engaged an 
independent external organization 
with the same line of reporting.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

1. In the reporting period, the 
performance of the internal controls 
and risk management was assessed 
as part of the internal audit 
procedure.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. The company applies generally 
accepted approaches to internal 
audit and risk management.

6.1

The company and its operations are transparent for its shareholders, investors and other stakeholders.

6.1.1

6.1.2

The company has developed 
and implemented an 
information policy ensuring 
an efficient exchange of 
information by the company, 
its shareholders, investors, and 
other stakeholders.

The company discloses 
information on its 
corporate governance and 
practice, including detailed 
information on compliance 
with the principles and 
recommendations of the Code.

1. The Company's board of directors 
approved an information policy 
developed in accordance with the 
Code's recommendations.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

2. The board of directors (or its 
committee) reviewed the Company's 
compliance with its information 
policy at least once in the reporting 
period.

1. The company discloses information 
on its corporate governance and 
general principles of corporate 
governance, including disclosure on its 
website.

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

 –

2. The company discloses information 
on the membership of its executive 
bodies and board of directors, 
independence of the directors and 
their membership in the board's 
committees (as defined by the Code).

3. If the company has a controlling 
person, the company publishes a 
memorandum of the controlling 
person setting out this person's 
plans for the Company's corporate 
governance.

6.2

The company discloses up-to-date, complete and reliable information on its operations in due time, to enable its 
shareholders and investors to make informed decisions.

Annual Report 2018107

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

6.2.1

The company discloses 
information based on the 
principles of regularity, 
consistency and promptness, 
as well as availability, 
reliability, completeness and 
comparability of disclosed 
data.

1. The Company's information 
policy sets out approaches to, and 
criteria for, identifying information 
that can have a material impact 
on the Company's evaluation and 
the price of its securities, as well 
as procedures ensuring timely 
disclosure of such information.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. If the Company's securities 
are traded on foreign organized 
markets, the company ensured 
concerted and equivalent disclosure 
of material information in the 
Russian Federation and in the said 
markets in the reporting year.

3. If foreign shareholders hold a 
material portion of the Company's 
shares, information was disclosed 
both in the Russian language and 
one of the most widely used foreign 
languages in the reporting period.

6.2.2 The company avoids a 
formalistic approach to 
information disclosure and 
discloses material information 
on its operations, even if 
disclosure of such information 
is not required by law.

1. In the reporting period, the company 
disclosed annual and 6M financial 
statements prepared under the IFRS. 
The Company's annual report for 
the reporting period included annual 
financial statements prepared under 
the IFRS, along with the auditor's 
report.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

The Company discloses its 
capital structure to the extent 
required by the applicable laws.

6.2.3 The Company's annual report, 
as one of the most important 
tools of its information 
exchange with shareholders 
and other interested parties, 
contains information enabling 
assessment of the Company's 
annual performance results.

2. The company discloses full 
information on its capital structure in 
accordance with Recommendation 
290 of the Code both in the annual 
report and on the Company's website.

1. The Company's annual report 
contains information on the key 
aspects of its operating and 
financial performance.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. The Company's annual report 
contains information on the 
environmental and social aspects 
of the Company's operations.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint108

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

6.3

6.3.1

The company provides information and documents requested by its shareholders in accordance with principles of 
fairness and ease of access.

The company provides 
information and documents 
requested by its shareholders 
in accordance with principles 
of fairness and ease of access.

1. The Company's information 
policy establishes the procedure for 
providing shareholders with easy 
access to information, including 
information on legal entities 
controlled by the company, as 
requested by shareholders.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

The Company's Information 
Policy determines an easy 
procedure for providing 
shareholders with access to 
information, with the exception 
of information on legal entities 
controlled by the Company, 
the provision of which is not 
prescribed for by law.

6.3.2 When providing information 

to shareholders, the company 
shall ensure reasonable 
balance between the interests 
of particular shareholders 
and its own interests 
consisting in preserving the 
confidentiality of important 
commercial information which 
may materially affect its 
competitiveness.

1. In the reporting period, 
the company did not refuse 
any shareholder requests for 
information, or such refusals were 
justified.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. In cases defined by the 
information policy, shareholders are 
warned of the confidential nature 
of the information and undertake to 
maintain its confidentiality.

7.1

7.1.1

Actions which will or may materially affect the Company's share capital structure and its financial position and 
accordingly the position of its shareholders (“material corporate actions”) are taken on fair terms ensuring that the 
rights and interests of the shareholders and other stakeholders are observed.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

The Company's Articles of 
Association do not contain a 
separate section with a list of 
significant corporate actions. At 
the same time, decision-making 
on issues related to significant 
corporate actions falls within 
the authority of the Board of 
Directors.

The Company does not see any 
risks in this.

Material corporate actions 
include restructuring of the 
company, acquisition of 30 % 
or more of the Company's 
voting shares (takeover), 
execution by the company of 
major transactions, increase 
or decrease of the Company's 
authorised capital, listing or 
de-listing of the Company's 
shares, as well as other actions 
which may lead to material 
changes in the rights of 
shareholders or violation of 
their interests. The Company's 
charter provides a list (criteria) 
of transactions or other 
actions classified as material 
corporate actions within the 
authority of the Company's 
board of directors.

1. The Company's charter includes a 
list of transactions or other actions 
deemed to be material corporate 
actions, and their identification 
criteria. Resolutions on material 
corporate actions are referred to the 
jurisdiction of the board of directors. 
When execution of such corporate 
actions is expressly referred by law 
to the jurisdiction of the general 
shareholders meeting, the board 
of directors presents relevant 
recommendations to shareholders.

2. According to the Company's 
charter, material corporate 
actions include at least: company 
reorganization, acquisition of 30 % 
or more of the Company's voting 
shares (in case of takeover), entering 
in major transactions, increase or 
decrease of the Company's charter 
capital, listing or de-listing of the 
Company's shares.

Annual Report 2018109

Item 
No.

Corporate Governance 
Principles

Compliance criteria

Compliance 
status

Reasons for non-compliance

1. The company has in place a 
procedure enabling independent 
directors to express their opinions 
on material corporate actions prior 
to approval thereof.

This 
principle 
is not fully 
complied 
with.

Relevant comments are provided 
in items 2.4.4. and 2.5.1 hereof.

1. Due to the specifics of the 
Company's operations, the 
Company's charter contains less 
stringent criteria for material 
corporate actions than required by 
law.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

2. All material corporate actions 
in the reporting period were duly 
approved before they were taken.

7.1.2

The board of directors plays a 
key role in passing resolutions 
or making recommendations 
on material corporate actions, 
relying on the opinions of 
the Company's independent 
directors.

7.1.3 When taking material corporate 
actions which would affect 
rights or legitimate interests 
of shareholders, equal terms 
and conditions are guaranteed 
for all shareholders; if the 
statutory procedure designed 
to protect shareholders' 
rights proves insufficient, 
additional measures are taken 
to protect their rights and 
legitimate interests. In doing 
so, the company is guided 
by the corporate governance 
principles set forth in the Code, 
as well as by formal statutory 
requirements.

7.2

7.2.1

The company provides a procedure for taking material corporate actions that would enable its shareholders 
to receive full information about such actions in due time and influence them, and also guarantee that the 
shareholder rights are observed and duly protected when such actions are taken.

Information about material 
corporate actions is disclosed 
with explanations of the 
grounds, circumstances and 
consequences.

1. In the reporting period, the 
company disclosed information 
about its material corporate actions 
in due time and in detail, including 
the grounds for, and timelines of, 
such actions.

 –

This 
principle is 
complied 
with.

The need to involve an appraiser 
for the valuation of the purchase 
price of the Company's shares 
is provided by the current 
legislation. There is no need to 
duplicate this requirement in 
the internal documents of the 
Company.

7.2.2 Rules and procedures related 
to material corporate actions 
taken by the company are set 
out in the Company's internal 
documents.

1. The Company's internal documents 
set out a procedure for engaging an 
independent appraiser to estimate 
the value of assets either disposed 
of or acquired in a major transaction 
or a related-party transaction

This 
principle 
is not 
complied 
with.

2. The Company's internal 
documents set out a procedure for 
engaging an independent appraiser 
to estimate the value of shares 
acquired and redeemed by the 
company.

3. The Company's internal 
documents provide for an expanded 
list of grounds on which the 
Company's directors and other 
persons as per the applicable law are 
deemed to be related parties to the 
Company's transactions.

Expanding Our  Global LNG Footprint110

Forward-looking Statements

This Annual Review includes “forward-looking 
information” within the meaning of Section 27A of the 
US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E 
of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 
Certain statements included in this Annual Report and 
Accounts, including, without limitation, statements 
concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future 
events or performance, and underlying assumptions and 
other statements, which are other than statements of 
historical facts. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” 
“intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “may,” 
“should” and similar expressions identify forward-
looking statements. Forward-looking statements 
include statements regarding: strategies, outlook 
and growth prospects; future plans and potential for 
future growth; liquidity, capital resources and capital 
expenditures; growth in demand for our products; 
economic outlook and industry trends; developments 
of our markets; the impact of regulatory initiatives; 
and the strength of our competitors. The forward-
looking statements in this Annual Review are based 
upon various assumptions, many of which are based, 
in turn, upon further assumptions, including without 
limitation, management's examination of historical 
operating trends, data contained in our records and 
other data available from third parties. Although we 
believe that these assumptions were reasonable when 
made, these assumptions are inherently subject to 
significant uncertainties and contingencies, which are 
difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our 
control. As a result, we may not achieve or accomplish 
these expectations, beliefs or projections. In addition, 
important factors that, in our view, could cause actual 
results to differ materially from those discussed in the 
forward-looking statements include:

•  changes in the balance of oil and gas supply and 

demand in Russia and Europe;

•  the effects of domestic and international oil and gas 
price volatility and changes in regulatory conditions, 
including prices and taxes;

•  the effects of competition in the domestic and export 

oil and gas markets;

•  the effects of changes to our capital expenditure 
projections on the growth of our production;

•  potentially lower production levels in the future than 
currently estimated by our management and / or 
independent petroleum reservoir engineers;

•  inherent uncertainties in interpreting geophysical 

data;

•  changes to project schedules and estimated 

completion dates;

•  our success in identifying and managing risks to our 

businesses;

•  the effects of changes to the Russian legal framework 
concerning currently held and any newly acquired oil 
and gas production licenses;

•  changes in political, social, legal or economic 

conditions in Russia and the CIS;

•  the effects of technological changes;

•  the effects of changes in accounting standards or 

practices.

This list of important factors is not exhaustive. When 
relying on forward-looking statements, one should 
carefully consider the foregoing factors and other 
uncertainties and events, especially in light of the 
political, economic, social and legal environment in which 
we operate. Such forward-looking statements speak only 
as of the date on which they are made. Accordingly, we 
do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any 
of them, whether as a result of new information, future 
events or otherwise. We do not make any representation, 
warranty or prediction that the results anticipated by 
such forward-looking statements will be achieved, and 
such forward-looking statements represent, in each case, 
only one of many possible scenarios and should not 
be viewed as the most likely or standard scenario. The 
information and opinions contained in this document are 
provided as at the date of this review and are subject to 
change without notice.

•  our ability to successfully implement any of our 

Conversion Factors

business strategies;

1000 cubic meters of gas = 6.54 boe.

•  the impact of our expansion on our revenue potential, 

cost basis and margins;

•  our ability to produce target volumes in the event, 

among other factors, of restrictions on our access to 
transportation infrastructure;

To convert crude oil and gas condensate reserves from 
tons to barrels we used various coefficients depending on 
the liquids' density at each field.

Annual Report 2018111

Terms and Abbreviations

Mentions in this Annual Report of “PAO NOVATEK”, 
“NOVATEK”, “the Company”, “we” and “our” refer to PAO 
NOVATEK and / or its subsidiaries (according to IFRS 
methodology) and / or joint ventures (accounted for on 
an equity basis according to IFRS standards), depending 
upon the context in which the terms are used.

barrel

bcm

boe

km

one stock tank barrel, or 42 US gallons of liquid 
volume

billion cubic meters

barrels of oil equivalent

kilometer(s) 

mboe

thousand boe

mcm

thousand cubic meters

mt

thousand metric tons

mmboe

million boe

mmcm

million cubic meters

mmt

million metric tons

mmtpa

million metric tons per annum

mtpa

thousand metric tons per annum

ton

SEC

metric ton

United States Securities and Exchange 
Commission

PRMS

Petroleum Resources Management System

NSR

Northern Sea Route

YNAO

Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region

RR

LPG

LNG

Russian rouble

liquified petroleum gases

liquified natural gas

Expanding Our  Global LNG FootprintPAO NOVATEK

IFRS Consolidated 
Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 
31 December 2018

and Independent 
Auditor’s Report

IFRS Consolidated Financial Statements for 2018

PAO NOVATEK

IFRS Consolidated 

Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 

31 December 2018

and Independent 

Auditor’s Report

CONTENTS

Page

Independent Auditor’s Report ................................................................................................................................. 3

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ....................................................................................................... 10

Consolidated Statement of Income ........................................................................................................................ 11

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income .............................................................................................. 12

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows ................................................................................................................. 13

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity ...................................................................................................... 15

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements: 

Note 1. Organization and principal activities .................................................................................................... 16

Note 2. Basis of preparation .............................................................................................................................. 17

Note 3. Summary of significant accounting policies......................................................................................... 18

Note 4. Critical accounting estimates and judgments........................................................................................ 25

Note 5. Acquisitions and disposals.................................................................................................................... 27

Note 6. Property, plant and equipment .............................................................................................................. 31

Note 7.

Investments in joint ventures ................................................................................................................ 34

Note 8. Long-term loans and receivables .......................................................................................................... 38

Note 9. Other non-current assets ....................................................................................................................... 39

Note 10. Inventories ............................................................................................................................................ 39

Note 11. Trade and other receivables .................................................................................................................. 39

Note 12. Prepayments and other current assets ................................................................................................... 40

Note 13. Cash and cash equivalents .................................................................................................................... 40

Note 14. Long-term debt ..................................................................................................................................... 41

Note 15. Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt......................................................................... 42

Note 16. Pension obligations............................................................................................................................... 42

Note 17. Trade payables and accrued liabilities .................................................................................................. 44

Note 18. Shareholders’ equity ............................................................................................................................. 44

Note 19. Oil and gas sales ................................................................................................................................... 45

Note 20. Purchases of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons ................................................................................ 45

Note 21. Transportation expenses ....................................................................................................................... 46

Note 22. Taxes other than income tax ................................................................................................................. 46

Note 23. Materials, services and other ................................................................................................................ 46

Note 24. General and administrative expenses.................................................................................................... 47

Note 25. Finance income (expense) .................................................................................................................... 47

Note 26. Income tax ............................................................................................................................................ 48

Note 27. Financial instruments and financial risk factors ................................................................................... 52

Note 28. Contingencies and commitments .......................................................................................................... 62

Note 29. Principal subsidiaries and joint ventures .............................................................................................. 66

Note 30. Related party transactions..................................................................................................................... 67

Note 31. Segment information ............................................................................................................................ 69

Note 32. New accounting pronouncements......................................................................................................... 70

Unaudited supplemental oil and gas disclosures ................................................................................................... 71

Contact Information .............................................................................................................................................. 77

 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report  

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of PAO NOVATEK: 

Our opinion  

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
consolidated  financial position of  PAO NOVATEK and its subsidiaries (together  – the “Group”) as at 
31 December 2018, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the 
year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 

What we have audited 

The Group’s consolidated financial statements comprise: 













the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018; 

the consolidated statement of income for the year then ended; 

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended; 

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended;  

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; and 

the  notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  which  include  significant  accounting  policies 
and other explanatory information.  

Basis for opinion  

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (ISAs).  Our 
responsibilities  under  those  standards  are  further  described  in  the  Auditor’s  responsibilities  for  the 
audit of the consolidated financial statements section of our report.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.  

Independence 

We  are  independent  of  the  Group  in  accordance  with  the  International  Ethics  Standards  Board  for 
Accountants’  Code  of  Ethics  for  Professional  Accountants  (IESBA  Code)  together  with  the  ethical 
requirements  of  the  Auditor’s  Professional  Ethics  Code  and  Auditor’s  Independence  Rules  that  are 
relevant  to  our  audit  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  the  Russian  Federation.  We  have 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code.  

AO PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit  
White Square Office Center 10 Butyrsky Val Moscow, Russia, 125047 
T: +7 (495) 967-6000, F:+7 (495) 967-6001, www.pwc.ru  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report  

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of PAO NOVATEK: 

Our opinion  

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 

consolidated  financial position of  PAO NOVATEK and its subsidiaries (together  – the “Group”) as at 

31 December 2018, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the 

year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 

What we have audited 

The Group’s consolidated financial statements comprise: 

the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018; 

the consolidated statement of income for the year then ended; 

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended; 

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended;  

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; and 













and other explanatory information.  

Basis for opinion  

the  notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  which  include  significant  accounting  policies 

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (ISAs).  Our 

responsibilities  under  those  standards  are  further  described  in  the  Auditor’s  responsibilities  for  the 

audit of the consolidated financial statements section of our report.  

our opinion.  

Independence 

We  are  independent  of  the  Group  in  accordance  with  the  International  Ethics  Standards  Board  for 

Accountants’  Code  of  Ethics  for  Professional  Accountants  (IESBA  Code)  together  with  the  ethical 

requirements  of  the  Auditor’s  Professional  Ethics  Code  and  Auditor’s  Independence  Rules  that  are 

relevant  to  our  audit  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  the  Russian  Federation.  We  have 

fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code.  

Our audit approach 

Overview 

Overall  group  materiality:  11,000  million  Russian  Roubles  (“RUB”) 
which  represents  4%  of  adjusted  profit  before  tax  excluding  currency 
exchange differences, net gain on disposal of interests in joint ventures 
and the Group’s share of joint ventures’ currency exchange differences 
net of income tax. 

Materiality

 We conducted audit work covering all significant components and 
balances in Russia, Switzerland, Singapore and Republic of Cyprus. 

Group 
scoping



The  Group  engagement  team  visited  all  significant  locations  in 
Russia and Switzerland. 

Key audit 
matters

 Our audit scope addressed more than 99% of the Group’s revenues 
and  more  than  99%  of  absolute  value  of  income  and  expenses, 
forming the Group’s underlying profit before tax. 



Acquisition  of  AO  Geotransgas  and  OOO  Urengoyskaya  gasovaya 
companiya. 

As  part  of  designing  our  audit,  we  determined  materiality  and  assessed  the  risks  of  material 
misstatement  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  In  particular,  we  considered  where 
management made subjective judgements; for example, in respect of significant accounting estimates 
that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain.  As in 
all  of  our  audits,  we  also  addressed  the  risk  of  management  override  of  internal  controls,  including 
among  other  matters  consideration  of  whether  there  was  evidence  of  bias  that  represented  a  risk  of 
material misstatement due to fraud. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 

Materiality 

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. An audit is designed to obtain 
reasonable  assurance  whether  the  consolidated  financial  statements  are  free  from  material 
misstatement.  Misstatements  may  arise  due  to  fraud  or  error.  They  are  considered  material  if 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the consolidated financial statements. 

Based  on  our  professional  judgement,  we  determined  certain  quantitative  thresholds  for  materiality, 
including the overall Group materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole as set out 
in the table below. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of 
our  audit  and  the  nature,  timing  and  extent  of  our  audit  procedures  and  to  evaluate  the  effect  of 
misstatements, if any, both individually and in aggregate on the consolidated financial statements as a 
whole. 

AO PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit  

White Square Office Center 10 Butyrsky Val Moscow, Russia, 125047 

T: +7 (495) 967-6000, F:+7 (495) 967-6001, www.pwc.ru  

ii

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overall Group materiality 

RUB 11,000 million 

How we determined it 

Rationale for the 
materiality benchmark 
applied 

4% of adjusted profit before tax excluding currency differences, 
net  gain  on  disposal  of  interests  in  joint  ventures  and  share  of 
joint ventures’ currency differences net of income tax. 

We  chose  profit  before  tax  as  the  benchmark  because,  in  our 
view, it  is the  benchmark against which the  performance of the 
Group is most commonly measured by users, and is a generally 
accepted  benchmark.  The  use  of  adjusted  profit  before  tax 
mitigates  the  effect  of  volatility  (that  could  be  material)  caused 
by non-recurring factors such as gains on disposals of assets and 
foreign  exchange  differences  and  provides  a  more  stable  basis 
for  determining  materiality, 
the  underlying 
profitability of the Group. 

focusing  on 

We  chose  4%  which  is  consistent  with  quantitative  materiality 
thresholds  used  for  profit-oriented  companies  in  this  industry 
and prior year approach. 

Key audit matters 

Key  audit  matters  are  those  matters  that,  in  our  professional  judgment,  were  of  most  significance  in 
our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed 
in  the  context  of  our  audit  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  as  a  whole,  and  in  forming  our 
opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Key audit matter 

How  our  audit  addressed  the  key  audit 
matter 

Acquisition  of  AO  Geotransgas  and  OOO 
Urengoyskaya gasovaya companiya  

for 

total 

Limited 

In  February  2018,  upon  the  results  of  an 
auction held by AK ALROSA (PAO), the Group 
acquired 100 percent participation interests in 
Maretiom  Investments  Limited  and  Velarion 
Investments 
cash 
consideration  of  RR  30.3  billion.  These 
companies  owned  100  percent  participation 
interests  in  AO Geotransgas  (renamed  to  AO 
NOVATEK-Pur  in  November  2018)  and  OOO 
companiya 
Urengoyskaya 
by  merging  with  OOO 
(reorganized 
NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegaz 
January 
2019),  which  held  the  licenses  for  exploration 
and  production  of  hydrocarbons  within  the 
Beregovoy and Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license areas 
located in Yamalo-Nenetski state, respectively.  

gasovaya 

in 

Our  audit  procedures  included,  among  others, 
reconciliation of the  purchase price consideration 
to  the  share  purchase  agreement  and  the  amount 
of actual cash paid as per bank orders.  

We have  evaluated the management’s assessment 
that  the  acquisition  should  be  accounted  for  as  a 
business combination in accordance with IFRS 3. 

We have performed audit procedures to assess the 
appropriateness of the identification of assets and 
liabilities assumed at acquisition date.  

We  assessed  final  purchase  price  allocation, 
including  an  assessment  of  the  fair  values  of 
the 
acquired 
and 
and 
the 
assumptions  and  methodology  used  by 
value 
Group’s  management 
measurement of the assets and liabilities acquired. 

liabilities 

assets 

fair 

the 

for 

iii

 
 
 
How we determined it 

4% of adjusted profit before tax excluding currency differences, 

Rationale for the 

materiality benchmark 

applied 

net  gain  on  disposal  of  interests  in  joint  ventures  and  share  of 

joint ventures’ currency differences net of income tax. 

We  chose  profit  before  tax  as  the  benchmark  because,  in  our 

view, it  is the  benchmark against which the  performance of the 

Group is most commonly measured by users, and is a generally 

accepted  benchmark.  The  use  of  adjusted  profit  before  tax 

mitigates  the  effect  of  volatility  (that  could  be  material)  caused 

by non-recurring factors such as gains on disposals of assets and 

foreign  exchange  differences  and  provides  a  more  stable  basis 

for  determining  materiality, 

focusing  on 

the  underlying 

profitability of the Group. 

We  chose  4%  which  is  consistent  with  quantitative  materiality 

thresholds  used  for  profit-oriented  companies  in  this  industry 

and prior year approach. 

Key audit matters 

Key  audit  matters  are  those  matters  that,  in  our  professional  judgment,  were  of  most  significance  in 

our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed 

in  the  context  of  our  audit  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  as  a  whole,  and  in  forming  our 

opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Key audit matter 

How  our  audit  addressed  the  key  audit 

matter 

Acquisition  of  AO  Geotransgas  and  OOO 

Urengoyskaya gasovaya companiya  

In  February  2018,  upon  the  results  of  an 

Our  audit  procedures  included,  among  others, 

auction held by AK ALROSA (PAO), the Group 

reconciliation of the  purchase price consideration 

acquired 100 percent participation interests in 

to  the  share  purchase  agreement  and  the  amount 

Maretiom  Investments  Limited  and  Velarion 

of actual cash paid as per bank orders.  

Investments 

Limited 

for 

total 

cash 

consideration  of  RR  30.3  billion.  These 

companies  owned  100  percent  participation 

interests  in  AO Geotransgas  (renamed  to  AO 

NOVATEK-Pur  in  November  2018)  and  OOO 

Urengoyskaya 

gasovaya 

companiya 

(reorganized 

by  merging  with  OOO 

NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegaz 

in 

January 

2019),  which  held  the  licenses  for  exploration 

and  production  of  hydrocarbons  within  the 

Beregovoy and Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license areas 

located in Yamalo-Nenetski state, respectively.  

We have  evaluated the management’s assessment 

that  the  acquisition  should  be  accounted  for  as  a 

business combination in accordance with IFRS 3. 

We have performed audit procedures to assess the 

appropriateness of the identification of assets and 

liabilities assumed at acquisition date.  

We  assessed  final  purchase  price  allocation, 

including  an  assessment  of  the  fair  values  of 

acquired 

assets 

and 

liabilities 

and 

assumptions  and  methodology  used  by 

the 

the 

Group’s  management 

for 

the 

fair 

value 

measurement of the assets and liabilities acquired. 

Overall Group materiality 

RUB 11,000 million 

Key audit matter 

Management  assessed  that  the  acquisition 
qualifies  as  a  business  combination  and 
applied  IFRS  3  “Business  Combinations”.  In 
accordance  with  IFRS  3,  the  Group  assessed 
fair  values  of 
identified  assets  and 
liabilities  of  the  acquired  companies  at  the 
acquisition date.  

the 

and 

estimates 

This  was  a  significant  focus  area  for  our  audit 
due  to  the  significance  of  management’s 
judgements 
in 
this  acquisition.  The  key 
accounting 
judgement related to assessment of identifiable 
assets  and 
liabilities  fair  values  and  the 
allocation  of  the  purchase  price  to  the  assets 
and liabilities acquired. 

involved 

for 

How  our  audit  addressed  the  key  audit 
matter 

We  have  not  identified  any  significant  issues  in 
determination of the fair values. 

We evaluated the completeness of the disclosures 
made  in  Note  5  of  the  financial  statements  to 
comply with the requirements of IFRS 3 “Business 
Combinations”. 

No  significant  exceptions  were  noted  in  the 
accounting  and  consolidated  financial  statement 
disclosures for this acquisition.  

How we tailored our Group audit scope  

We  tailored  the  scope  of  our  audit  in  order  to  perform  sufficient  work  to  enable  us  to  provide  an 
opinion on the  consolidated  financial statements as a whole, taking into account the  structure of the 
Group, the accounting processes and controls and the industry in which the Group operates. 

In establishing the overall group audit strategy and plan, we determined the type of work that needed 
to be performed at the reporting units by the group engagement team and by the component auditors 
from  other  PwC  network  firms.  For  each  reporting  unit  we  issued  specific  instructions  to  the 
component auditors within our audit scope. We determined the level of our and component auditors 
involvement we needed to be involved in the audit process at those reporting units so as to be able to 
conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on 
the consolidated financial statements as a whole. We determined whether we required an audit of full 
scope of financial information or whether a defined scope of specified procedures was sufficient.  

The group consolidation, financial statements disclosures and a number of complex items are audited 
directly  by  the  PAO  NOVATEK  audit  engagement  team.  These  items  include  the  assessment  of 
accounting estimates performed by management in respect of fair values and classification of financial 
assets  and  liabilities,  deferred  income  tax  asset  recognition,  estimation  of  oil  and  gas  reserves, 
impairment of financial and non-financial assets, impairment provision for trade receivables, pension 
obligations, asset retirement obligations and assessment of joint arrangements. 

By performing the procedures described above at the individual component level, combined with the 
additional procedures performed at the group level, we have obtained sufficient and appropriate audit 
evidence  regarding  the  financial  information  of  the  Group  to  provide  a  basis  for  our  opinion  on  the 
consolidated financial statements. 

iii

iv

 
 
 
 
Other information 

Management  is  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other  information  comprises  report 
“Management’s  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  of 
PAO NOVATEK  for  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017”  (but  does  not  include  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  and  our  auditor’s  report  thereon),  which  we  obtained  prior  to  the 
date of this auditor’s report, and “Quarterly Issuer's Report of PAO NOVATEK for the first quarter of 
2019” as well as “Annual Report Review of PAO NOVATEK for 2018”, which are expected to be made 
available to us after that date.  

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do 
not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the 
other  information  identified  above  and,  in  doing  so,  consider  whether  the  other  information  is 
materially  inconsistent  with  the  consolidated  financial  statements  or  our  knowledge  obtained  in  the 
audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed on the 
other information that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a 
material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing 
to report in this regard.  

When we read “Annual Report Review of PAO NOVATEK for 2018” and “Quarterly Issuer's Report of 
PAO  NOVATEK  for  the  first  quarter  of  2019”,  if  we  conclude  that  there  is  a  material  misstatement 
therein, we are required to communicate the matter to those charged with governance. 

Responsibilities  of  management  and  those  charged  with  governance  for  the 
consolidated financial statements 

Management  is  responsible  for  the  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements  in  accordance  with  IFRS,  and  for  such  internal  control  as  management  determines  is 
necessary  to  enable  the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  that  are  free  from  material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.  

In  preparing  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  management  is  responsible  for  assessing  the 
Group’s  ability  to  continue  as  a  going  concern,  disclosing,  as  applicable,  matters  related  to  going 
concern  and  using  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  unless  management  either  intends  to 
liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.  

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process. 

v

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the 

other  information  identified  above  and,  in  doing  so,  consider  whether  the  other  information  is 

materially  inconsistent  with  the  consolidated  financial  statements  or  our  knowledge  obtained  in  the 

audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed on the 

other information that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a 

material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing 

to report in this regard.  

When we read “Annual Report Review of PAO NOVATEK for 2018” and “Quarterly Issuer's Report of 

PAO  NOVATEK  for  the  first  quarter  of  2019”,  if  we  conclude  that  there  is  a  material  misstatement 

therein, we are required to communicate the matter to those charged with governance. 

consolidated financial statements 

Management  is  responsible  for  the  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  the  consolidated  financial 

statements  in  accordance  with  IFRS,  and  for  such  internal  control  as  management  determines  is 

necessary  to  enable  the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  that  are  free  from  material 

misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.  

In  preparing  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  management  is  responsible  for  assessing  the 

Group’s  ability  to  continue  as  a  going  concern,  disclosing,  as  applicable,  matters  related  to  going 

concern  and  using  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  unless  management  either  intends  to 

liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.  

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process. 

Other information 

Management  is  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other  information  comprises  report 

“Management’s  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  of 

PAO NOVATEK  for  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017”  (but  does  not  include  the 

consolidated  financial  statements  and  our  auditor’s  report  thereon),  which  we  obtained  prior  to  the 

date of this auditor’s report, and “Quarterly Issuer's Report of PAO NOVATEK for the first quarter of 

2019” as well as “Annual Report Review of PAO NOVATEK for 2018”, which are expected to be made 

available to us after that date.  

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements 
as  a  whole  are  free  from  material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error,  and  to  issue  an 
auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not 
a  guarantee  that  an  audit  conducted  in  accordance  with  ISAs  will  always  detect  a  material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 
if,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  they  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  influence  the  economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.  

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do 

not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

As  part  of  an  audit  in  accordance  with  ISAs,  we  exercise  professional  judgment  and  maintain 
professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

Responsibilities  of  management  and  those  charged  with  governance  for  the 

estimates and related disclosures made by management.  



Identify  and  assess  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements, 
whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and 
obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk 
of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from 
error,  as  fraud  may  involve  collusion,  forgery,  intentional  omissions,  misrepresentations,  or  the 
override of internal control.  

 Obtain  an  understanding  of  internal  control  relevant  to  the  audit  in  order  to  design  audit 
procedures  that  are  appropriate  in  the  circumstances,  but  not  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.  

 Evaluate  the  appropriateness  of  accounting  policies  used  and  the  reasonableness  of  accounting 

 Conclude  on  the  appropriateness  of  management’s  use  of  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting 
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events 
or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. 
If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s 
report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are 
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to 
the  date  of  our  auditor’s  report.  However,  future  events  or  conditions  may  cause  the  Group  to 
cease to continue as a going concern.  

 Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, 
including  the  disclosures,  and  whether  the  consolidated  financial  statements  represent  the 
underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

 Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 
business  activities  within  the  Group  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  consolidated  financial 
statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. 
We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We  communicate  with  those  charged  with  governance  regarding,  among  other  matters,  the  planned 
scope  and  timing  of  the  audit  and  significant  audit  findings,  including  any  significant  deficiencies  in 
internal control that we identify during our audit.  

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant 
ethical  requirements  regarding  independence,  and  to  communicate  with  them  all  relationships  and 
other  matters  that  may  reasonably  be  thought  to  bear  on  our  independence,  and  where  applicable, 
related safeguards.  

v

vi

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Consolidated Statement of Income
(in millions of Russian roubles, except for share and per share amounts)

Notes

Year ended 31 December:
2017
2018

19

20
21
22
6
23
24

6

5

25
25
27
25

7

26

Revenues

Oil and gas sales
Other revenues

Total revenues

Operating expenses

Purchases of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons
Transportation expenses
Taxes other than income tax
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Materials, services and other
General and administrative expenses
Exploration expenses
Impairment (expenses) reversals, net
Change in natural gas, 

liquid hydrocarbons and work-in-progress

Total operating expenses

Net gain on disposal of interests in joint ventures
Other operating income (loss), net

Profit from operations

Finance income (expense)

Interest expense
Interest income
Change in fair value of non-commodity financial instruments
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

Total finance income (expense)

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures, net of income tax

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax benefit (expense), net

Total income tax expense

Profit

Profit attributable to:

Non-controlling interest
Shareholders of PAO NOVATEK

Basic and diluted earnings per share (in Russian roubles)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

825,761
5,997

579,819
3,367

831,758

583,186

(319,990)
(145,664)
(58,768)
(33,094)
(22,675)
(22,282)
(7,012)
(287)

5,860
(603,912)

1,645
(2,307)

(161,443)
(137,192)
(49,494)
(34,523)
(20,768)
(17,170)
(1,819)
(52)

2,602
(419,859)

-
424

227,184

163,751

(4,746)
14,003
3,492
25,859
38,608

(7,712)
15,872
(7,178)
13,676
14,658

(37,258)

22,430

228,534

200,839

(44,543)
(1,044)
(45,587)

(35,227)
858
(34,369)

182,947

166,470

19,205
163,742

54.33

3,013.8

10,083
156,387

51.85

3,016.2

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

11

PAO NOVATEK
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(in millions of Russian roubles)

Profit

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Notes

Year ended 31 December:
2017
2018

182,947

166,470

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit (loss)
Remeasurement of pension obligations
Share of remeasurement 

16

of pension obligations of joint ventures

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit (loss)
Currency translation differences
Share of currency translation differences of joint ventures

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Non-controlling interest
Shareholders of PAO NOVATEK

(725)

(112)
(837)

1,934
(353)
1,581

744

(724)

(100)
(824)

(2,580)
21
(2,559)

(3,383)

183,691

163,087

19,205
164,486

10,083
153,004

227,184

163,751

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PAO NOVATEK

Consolidated Statement of Income

(in millions of Russian roubles, except for share and per share amounts)

Year ended 31 December:

Notes

2018

2017

825,761

5,997

579,819

3,367

831,758

583,186

Revenues

Oil and gas sales

Other revenues

Total revenues

Operating expenses

Purchases of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons

Transportation expenses

Taxes other than income tax

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Materials, services and other

General and administrative expenses

Exploration expenses

Impairment (expenses) reversals, net

Change in natural gas, 

liquid hydrocarbons and work-in-progress

Total operating expenses

Net gain on disposal of interests in joint ventures

Other operating income (loss), net

Profit from operations

Finance income (expense)

Interest expense

Interest income

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Current income tax expense

Deferred income tax benefit (expense), net

Total income tax expense

Profit

Profit attributable to:

Non-controlling interest

Shareholders of PAO NOVATEK

19

20

21

22

6

23

24

6

5

25

25

27

25

7

26

(319,990)

(145,664)

(58,768)

(33,094)

(22,675)

(22,282)

(7,012)

(287)

5,860

(603,912)

1,645

(2,307)

(4,746)

14,003

3,492

25,859

38,608

(161,443)

(137,192)

(49,494)

(34,523)

(20,768)

(17,170)

(1,819)

(52)

2,602

(419,859)

-

424

(7,712)

15,872

(7,178)

13,676

14,658

228,534

200,839

(44,543)

(1,044)

(45,587)

(35,227)

858

(34,369)

182,947

166,470

19,205

163,742

54.33

3,013.8

10,083

156,387

51.85

3,016.2

Change in fair value of non-commodity financial instruments

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

Total finance income (expense)

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures, net of income tax

(37,258)

22,430

Basic and diluted earnings per share (in Russian roubles)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

11

12

 
PAO NOVATEK
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(in millions of Russian roubles)

Profit before income tax

228,534

200,839

Notes

Year ended 31 December:
2017

2018

Adjustments to profit before income tax:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Impairment expenses (reversals), net
Foreign exchange loss (gain), net
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net
Interest expense
Interest income
Share of loss (profit) of joint ventures, net of income tax
Change in fair value of non-commodity financial instruments
Revaluation of commodity derivatives through profit or loss
Other adjustments

Decrease (increase) in long-term advances given

Working capital changes

Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables, 

prepayments and other current assets

Decrease (increase) in inventories
Increase (decrease) in trade payables and accrued liabilities, 

excluding interest and dividends payable

Increase (decrease) in taxes payable, other than income tax

Total effect of working capital changes
Dividends received from joint ventures
Interest received
Income taxes paid

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Payments for mineral licenses
Purchases of materials for construction
Purchases of intangible assets
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment 

and materials for construction

Acquisition of joint ventures
Additional capital contributions to joint ventures
Payments for acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Interest paid and capitalized
Net decrease (increase) in bank deposits 

with original maturity more than three months

Guarantee fees paid
Loans provided to joint ventures
Repayments of loans provided to joint ventures

5

7

6
6

5
7
5
6

8
8

33,094
287
(25,859)
(1,645)
4,746
(14,003)
37,258
(3,492)
450
749

4,939

(13,598)
(9,137)

10,750
592
(11,393)
8,500
1,311
(47,127)

34,523
52
(13,676)
305
7,712
(15,872)
(22,430)
7,178
9
240

655

(786)
(2,607)

6,592
1,962
5,161
2,383
5,949
(32,629)

216,349

180,399

(73,564)
(327)
(15,442)
(872)

2,133
(2)
-
(30,492)
(5,032)

(26,161)
(1,431)
(3,429)
1,573

(24,783)
(9,786)
(1,697)
(780)

-
(1,583)
(2,269)
(15,706)
(3,391)

-
(1,315)
(5,211)
8,246

Net cash used for investing activities

(153,046)

(58,275)

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(in millions of Russian roubles)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from long-term debt
Repayments of long-term debt
Repayments of short-term debt

with original maturity more than three months
Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt

with original maturity three months or less, net

Interest on debt paid
Dividends paid to shareholders of PAO NOVATEK
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest
Payments of lease liabilities
Purchases of treasury shares

Net cash used for financing activities

Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

Notes

Year ended 31 December:
2017

2018

18

18

7,928
(22,035)

-
(53,035)

-

(136)

(150)
(3,024)
(51,980)
(20,068)
(2,192)
(2,137)

(56)
(6,526)
(42,075)
-
(567)
(1,442)

(93,658)

(103,837)

5,884

(24,471)
65,943

(645)

17,642
48,301

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

41,472

65,943

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PAO NOVATEK

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in millions of Russian roubles)

Profit before income tax

Adjustments to profit before income tax:

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Impairment expenses (reversals), net

Foreign exchange loss (gain), net

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net

Interest expense

Interest income

Share of loss (profit) of joint ventures, net of income tax

Change in fair value of non-commodity financial instruments

Revaluation of commodity derivatives through profit or loss

Other adjustments

Decrease (increase) in long-term advances given

Working capital changes

Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables, 

prepayments and other current assets

Decrease (increase) in inventories

Increase (decrease) in trade payables and accrued liabilities, 

excluding interest and dividends payable

Increase (decrease) in taxes payable, other than income tax

Total effect of working capital changes

Dividends received from joint ventures

Interest received

Income taxes paid

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchases of property, plant and equipment 

Payments for mineral licenses

Purchases of materials for construction

Purchases of intangible assets

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment 

and materials for construction

Acquisition of joint ventures

Additional capital contributions to joint ventures

Payments for acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Interest paid and capitalized

Net decrease (increase) in bank deposits 

with original maturity more than three months

Guarantee fees paid

Loans provided to joint ventures

Repayments of loans provided to joint ventures

Year ended 31 December:

Notes

2018

2017

228,534

200,839

33,094

287

(25,859)

(1,645)

4,746

(14,003)

37,258

(3,492)

450

749

4,939

(13,598)

(9,137)

10,750

592

(11,393)

8,500

1,311

(47,127)

(73,564)

(327)

(15,442)

(872)

2,133

(2)

-

(30,492)

(5,032)

(26,161)

(1,431)

(3,429)

1,573

34,523

52

(13,676)

305

7,712

(15,872)

(22,430)

7,178

9

240

655

(786)

(2,607)

6,592

1,962

5,161

2,383

5,949

(32,629)

(24,783)

(9,786)

(1,697)

(780)

(1,583)

(2,269)

(15,706)

(3,391)

-

-

(1,315)

(5,211)

8,246

5

7

6

6

5

7

5

6

8

8

Net cash provided by operating activities

216,349

180,399

Net cash used for investing activities

(153,046)

(58,275)

13

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(in millions of Russian roubles, except for number of shares)

Number of 
ordinary shares 
(in millions)

Ordinary
share
capital

Treasury
shares

Additional
paid-in
capital

Currency 
translation 
differences

Asset 
revaluation 
surplus on 
acquisitions

Equity
attributable to 
PAO 
NOVATEK 
shareholders

Retained
earnings

Non-
controlling
interest

Total
equity

At 1 January 2017

3,017.7

393

(6,913)

31,297

(724)

5,617

618,680

648,350

9,370

657,720

Profit

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends (Note 18)

-

-

-

-

Purchase of treasury shares (Note 18)

(2.1) 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,440) 

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,559)

(2,559)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

156,387

156,387

10,083

166,470

(824) 

(3,383)

-

(3,383)

155,563

153,004

10,083

163,087

(42,075)  

(42,075) 

(1,633)

(43,708) 

-

(1,440) 

-

(1,440) 

At 31 December 2017

3,015.6

393

(8,353)

31,297

(3,283)

5,617

732,168

757,839

17,820

775,659

Profit

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends (Note 18)

-

-

-

-

Purchase of treasury shares (Note 18)

(2.7)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,092) 

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,581

1,581

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

163,742

163,742

19,205

182,947

(837) 

744

-

744

162,905

164,486

19,205

183,691

(51,979)  

(51,979) 

(18,684)  

(70,663) 

-

(2,092) 

-

(2,092) 

At 31 December 2018

3,012.9

393

(10,445)

31,297

(1,702)

5,617

843,094

868,254

18,341

886,595

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

15

PAO NOVATEK

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

(in millions of Russian roubles, except for number of shares)

Number of 

ordinary shares 

(in millions)

Ordinary

share

capital

Treasury

shares

Additional

paid-in

capital

Currency 

translation 

differences

Asset 

revaluation 

surplus on 

acquisitions

Equity

attributable to 

PAO 

Retained

earnings

NOVATEK 

shareholders

Non-

controlling

interest

Total

equity

At 1 January 2017

3,017.7

393

(6,913)

31,297

(724)

5,617

618,680

648,350

9,370

657,720

Purchase of treasury shares (Note 18)

(2.1) 

(1,440) 

At 31 December 2017

3,015.6

393

(8,353)

31,297

(3,283)

5,617

732,168

757,839

17,820

775,659

Profit

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends (Note 18)

Profit

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends (Note 18)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,559)

(2,559)

1,581

1,581

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

156,387

156,387

10,083

166,470

(824) 

(3,383)

(3,383)

155,563

153,004

10,083

163,087

(42,075)  

(42,075) 

(1,633)

(43,708) 

-

(1,440) 

(1,440) 

163,742

163,742

19,205

182,947

(837) 

744

744

162,905

164,486

19,205

183,691

(51,979)  

(51,979) 

(18,684)  

(70,663) 

-

(2,092) 

(2,092) 

-

-

-

-

Purchase of treasury shares (Note 18)

(2.7)

(2,092) 

At 31 December 2018

3,012.9

393

(10,445)

31,297

(1,702)

5,617

843,094

868,254

18,341

886,595

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

15

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

PAO NOVATEK (hereinafter referred to as “NOVATEK” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (hereinafter
jointly referred to as the “Group”) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration,
development, production, processing, and marketing of hydrocarbons with its oil and gas operations located mainly
in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region (hereinafter referred to as “YNAO”) of the Russian Federation. The
Group delivers its natural gas and its liquid hydrocarbons on both the Russian domestic and international markets.

The Group sells its natural gas on the Russian domestic market at unregulated market prices (except for deliveries
to residential customers); however, the majority of natural gas sold on the Russian domestic market by all
producers is sold at prices regulated by the governmental agency of the Russian Federation that carries out state
regulation of prices and tariffs for goods and services of natural monopolies in energy, utilities and transportation.
The Group’s natural gas sales volumes on the domestic market fluctuate on a seasonal basis mostly due to Russian
weather conditions, with sales peaking in the winter months of December and January and troughing in the summer
months of July and August.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Group’s joint venture OAO Yamal LNG started production at the first train of its
natural gas liquefaction plant (hereinafter referred to as the “LNG Plant”) based on the hydrocarbon resources of
the South-Tambeyskoye field, located in the YNAO. In the third quarter of 2018, the second LNG train was
launched, six months ahead of its original schedule, and in the fourth quarter of 2018, the third LNG train was
launched, more than a year ahead of its original schedule. Annual capacity of the LNG Plant after launching the
four LNG trains will aggregate 17.4 million tons of liquefied natural gas (5.5 million tons for each of the first three
LNG trains and 0.9 million tons for the fourth LNG train) and up to 1.2 million tons of stable gas condensate. The
Group purchases a portion of the liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) produced by Yamal LNG and sells it on the
international markets. The Group’s LNG sales volumes are not subject to significant seasonal fluctuations.

The Group also purchases and sells natural gas on the European market under long- and short-term supply contracts
to carry out its foreign commercial trading activities, as well as conducts LNG regasification in Poland.

The Group processes unstable gas condensate at its Purovsky Gas Condensate Processing Plant located in close
proximity to its fields into stable gas condensate and liquefied petroleum gas. The majority of stable gas condensate
is further processed at the Group’s Gas Condensate Fractionation and Transshipment Complex located at the port
of Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea into higher-value refined products (naphtha, jet fuel, gasoil and fuel oil). The
remaining stable gas condensate volumes are sold on domestic and international markets. The Group sells its liquid
hydrocarbons at prices that are subject to fluctuations in underlying benchmark crude oil, naphtha and other gas
condensate refined products prices. The Group’s liquids sales volumes are not subject to significant seasonal
fluctuations.

the Group and the company Fluxys Germany Holding GmbH arranged a joint venture,
In October 2018,
Rostock LNG GmbH, with 49 percent and 51 percent participation interests, respectively, to undertake a project to
construct and operate a mid-scale LNG transshipment
terminal with throughput capacity of approximately
300 thousand tons per annum located in the port of Rostock in Germany.

In May 2018, NOVATEK and TOTAL S.A. agreed in principle on the acquisition by TOTAL of a 10 percent
participation interest in the Arctic LNG 2 project. The transaction is expected to close no later than 31 March 2019.

In February 2018, upon the results of an auction held by AK ALROSA (PAO), the Group acquired 100 percent
participation interests in Maretiom Investments Limited and Velarion Investments Limited for RR 30.3 billion.
These companies were the owners of 100 percent participation interests in AO Geotransgas (renamed to
AO NOVATEK-Pur
(merged into
OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in January 2019), which held the licenses for exploration and production of
hydrocarbons within the Beregovoy and Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license areas located in YNAO, respectively.

and OOO Urengoyskaya gasovaya

in November 2018)

companiya

In January 2018, the Group acquired a 100 percent participation interest in OOO Chernichnoye for RR 616 million.
OOO Chernichnoye is a holder of the license for exploration and production of hydrocarbons within the
Chernichniy license area located in YNAO.

16

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)

In January 2018, the Group, TOTAL S.A. and Eni S.p.A., through their subsidiaries NOVATEK Lebanon SAL,
Total E&P Liban SAL and Eni Lebanon B.V. (hereinafter referred to as the “Right holders”), entered into
Exploration and Production Agreements for Petroleum Activities with the Republic of Lebanon for the exploration
and production of hydrocarbons on two offshore blocks located in the Eastern Mediterranean (hereinafter referred
to as the “Exploration and Production Agreements”). The Exploration and Production Agreements stipulate that the
Group is assigned a 20 percent participating interest and the Right holders are committed to undertake specified
joint upstream activities during the exploration phase within five years. The Group considers that the Exploration
and Production Agreements constitute a joint arrangement classified as a joint operation in accordance with
IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements.

2

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  under  the  historical  cost  convention,  as  modified  by  the  initial  recognition  of 
financial instruments based on fair value, and by the revaluation of financial instruments categorised at fair value 
through  profit  or  loss  or  other  comprehensive  income.  In  the  absence  of  specific  IFRS  guidance  for  oil  and  gas 
producing  companies,  the  Group  has  developed  accounting  policies  in  accordance  with  other  generally  accepted 
accounting principles for oil and gas producing companies, mainly US GAAP, insofar as they do not conflict with 
IFRS principles. 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  the  use  of  certain  critical  accounting 
estimates.  It  also  requires  management  to  exercise  judgment  in  the  process  of  applying  the  Group’s  accounting 
policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates 
are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 4.

Functional and presentation currency. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Russian roubles, the 
Group’s  reporting  (presentation)  currency  and  the  functional  currency  for  the  Company  and  the  majority  of  the 
Group’s subsidiaries. 

Transactions  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  converted  into  the  functional  currency  of  each  entity  at  the 
exchange  rates  prevailing  on  the  date  of  transactions.  Monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign 
currencies are converted into the functional currency of each entity by applying the year end exchange rate. Non-
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in  foreign currencies  valued at cost are  converted into the  functional 
currency  of  each  entity  at  the  historical  exchange  rate.  Non-monetary  assets  that  are  remeasured  to  fair  value, 
recoverable amount or realizable value, are converted at the exchange rate applicable to the date of remeasurement. 
Exchange gains and losses resulting from foreign currency remeasurement into the functional currency are included 
in profit (loss) for the reporting period.

On  consolidation  the  assets  and  liabilities  (both  monetary  and  non-monetary)  of  the  Group  entities  whose 
functional currency is not the Russian rouble are translated into Russian roubles at the closing exchange rate at each 
balance  sheet  date.  All  items  included  in  the  shareholders’  equity,  other  than  profit  or  loss,  are  translated  at 
historical exchange rates. The financial results of these entities are translated into Russian roubles using exchange 
rates  at  the  dates  of  the  transactions  or  the  average  exchange  rate  for  the  period  when  this  is  a  reasonable 
approximation. Exchange adjustments arising on the opening net assets and the profits for the reporting period are 
taken to other comprehensive income and reported as currency translation differences in the consolidated statement 
of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Exchange  rates  for  foreign  currencies  in  which  the  Group  conducted  significant  transactions  or  had  significant 
assets and/or liabilities in the reporting period were as follows:

Russian roubles to one currency unit

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Average rate for the year 
ended 31 December:
2017
2018

US dollar (USD)
Euro (EUR)
Polish zloty (PLN)

57.60
68.87
16.51

62.71
73.95
17.36

58.35
65.90
15.48

69.47 
79.46
18.48

17

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

1

ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)

2

BASIS OF PREPARATION (CONTINUED)

In January 2018, the Group, TOTAL S.A. and Eni S.p.A., through their subsidiaries NOVATEK Lebanon SAL,

Total E&P Liban SAL and Eni Lebanon B.V. (hereinafter referred to as the “Right holders”), entered into

Exploration and Production Agreements for Petroleum Activities with the Republic of Lebanon for the exploration

and production of hydrocarbons on two offshore blocks located in the Eastern Mediterranean (hereinafter referred

to as the “Exploration and Production Agreements”). The Exploration and Production Agreements stipulate that the

Group is assigned a 20 percent participating interest and the Right holders are committed to undertake specified

joint upstream activities during the exploration phase within five years. The Group considers that the Exploration

and Production Agreements constitute a joint arrangement classified as a joint operation in accordance with

IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements.

2

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 

Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  under  the  historical  cost  convention,  as  modified  by  the  initial  recognition  of 

financial instruments based on fair value, and by the revaluation of financial instruments categorised at fair value 

through  profit  or  loss  or  other  comprehensive  income.  In  the  absence  of  specific  IFRS  guidance  for  oil  and  gas 

producing  companies,  the  Group  has  developed  accounting  policies  in  accordance  with  other  generally  accepted 

accounting principles for oil and gas producing companies, mainly US GAAP, insofar as they do not conflict with 

IFRS principles. 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  the  use  of  certain  critical  accounting 

estimates.  It  also  requires  management  to  exercise  judgment  in  the  process  of  applying  the  Group’s  accounting 

policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates 

are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 4.

Functional and presentation currency. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Russian roubles, the 

Group’s  reporting  (presentation)  currency  and  the  functional  currency  for  the  Company  and  the  majority  of  the 

Group’s subsidiaries. 

Transactions  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  converted  into  the  functional  currency  of  each  entity  at  the 

exchange  rates  prevailing  on  the  date  of  transactions.  Monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign 

currencies are converted into the functional currency of each entity by applying the year end exchange rate. Non-

monetary assets and liabilities denominated in  foreign currencies  valued at cost are  converted into the  functional 

currency  of  each  entity  at  the  historical  exchange  rate.  Non-monetary  assets  that  are  remeasured  to  fair  value, 

recoverable amount or realizable value, are converted at the exchange rate applicable to the date of remeasurement. 

Exchange gains and losses resulting from foreign currency remeasurement into the functional currency are included 

in profit (loss) for the reporting period.

On  consolidation  the  assets  and  liabilities  (both  monetary  and  non-monetary)  of  the  Group  entities  whose 

functional currency is not the Russian rouble are translated into Russian roubles at the closing exchange rate at each 

balance  sheet  date.  All  items  included  in  the  shareholders’  equity,  other  than  profit  or  loss,  are  translated  at 

historical exchange rates. The financial results of these entities are translated into Russian roubles using exchange 

rates  at  the  dates  of  the  transactions  or  the  average  exchange  rate  for  the  period  when  this  is  a  reasonable 

approximation. Exchange adjustments arising on the opening net assets and the profits for the reporting period are 

taken to other comprehensive income and reported as currency translation differences in the consolidated statement 

of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Exchange  rates  for  foreign  currencies  in  which  the  Group  conducted  significant  transactions  or  had  significant 

assets and/or liabilities in the reporting period were as follows:

Russian roubles to one currency unit

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

2018

2017

Average rate for the year 

ended 31 December:

57.60

68.87

16.51

62.71

73.95

17.36

58.35

65.90

15.48

US dollar (USD)

Euro (EUR)

Polish zloty (PLN)

69.47 

79.46

18.48

17

Exchange  rates  and  restrictions. The  Russian  rouble  is  not  a  fully  convertible  currency  outside  the  Russian 
Federation  and,  accordingly,  any  remeasurement  of  Russian  rouble  amounts  to  US  dollars  or  any  other  currency 
should not be construed as a representation that such Russian rouble amounts have been, could be, or will in the 
future be converted into other currencies at these exchange rates.

Reclassifications. Certain  reclassifications  have  been  made  to  the  comparative  figures  to  conform  to  the  current 
period presentation with no effect on profit for the period or shareholder’s equity.

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Adoption of new and amended standards and interpretations. In 2018, the Group adopted all IFRS, amendments 
and interpretations  which are  effective 1 January 2018 and relevant to its operations. None  of them  had  material 
impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements. In particular, the following new standard was adopted by 
the Group starting from the annual period beginning on 1 January 2018: 

IFRS 9, Financial instruments. The standard introduces new requirements for classification and measurement of 
financial instruments, impairment, and hedge accounting. 

In accordance with the transition provisions in IFRS 9, the Group applied the new rules retrospectively, except for 
the items that have already been derecognized at the date of initial application, which is 1 January 2018. The Group 
also used an exemption in IFRS 9 allowing not to restate prior periods presented as a result of adoption of the new 
classification and measurement requirements, but rather recognize any differences in the opening retained earnings 
as at 1 January 2018. The initial application of the standard did not result in any reclassifications of the Group’s 
financial instruments or any material changes in their measurement, therefore, the opening retained earnings were 
not restated.

Principles of consolidation. These consolidated financial statements present the assets, liabilities, equity, income, 
expenses  and  cash  flows  of  PAO  “NOVATEK”  and  its subsidiaries as  those  of  a  single  economic  entity. 
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an 
entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvements with the entity and has 
the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on 
which  control  is  transferred  to  the  Group  (acquisition  date)  and  are  deconsolidated  from  the  date  that  control 
ceases.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. 
Accounting policies of the Group’s subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the 
Group’s policies.

Joint arrangements. The Group undertakes a number of business activities through joint arrangements, which exist 
when  two  or  more  parties  have  joint  control.  Joint  arrangements  are  classified  as  either  joint  operations  or  joint 
ventures, based on the contractual rights and obligations between the parties to the arrangement.

Interests  in  joint  ventures  are  accounted  for using  the  equity  method.  With  regard  to  joint  operations,  the  Group 
records  its  share  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses  of  its  joint  operations  in  the  consolidated  financial 
statements on a line-by-line basis.

Under the equity method, an investment in a joint venture is initially recognized at cost. The difference between the 
cost of an acquisition and the share of the fair value of the joint venture’s identifiable net assets represents goodwill 
upon acquiring the joint venture.

Post-acquisition  changes  in  the  Group’s  share  of  net  assets  of  a  joint  venture  are  recognized  as  follows:  (a)  the 
Group’s  share  of  profits  or  losses  is  recorded  in  the  consolidated  profit  or  loss  for  the  year  as  share  of  financial 
result  of  joint  ventures;  (b)  the  Group’s  share  of  other  comprehensive  income  or  loss  is  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive income or loss and presented separately; (c)  dividends received or receivable from a joint venture 
are recognized as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment; (d) all other changes in the Group’s share of 
the  carrying  value  of  net  assets  of  joint  ventures  are  recognized  within  retained  earnings  in  the  consolidated 
statement of changes in equity.

18

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

After application of the equity method, including recognizing the joint venture’s losses, the entire carrying amount 
of the investment is tested for impairment as a single asset  whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

When the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the  joint venture, the Group 
does  not  recognize  further  losses,  unless  it  has  incurred  obligations  or  made  payments  on  behalf  of  the  joint 
ventures. The interest in a joint venture is the carrying amount of the investment in the joint venture together with 
any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net investment in the joint venture, including 
receivables and loans for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future.

Unrealized  gains  on  transactions  between  the  Group  and  its  joint  ventures  are  eliminated  to  the  extent  of  the 
Group’s interest in joint ventures; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of 
an impairment of the asset transferred. 

Accounting policies of joint ventures have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies 
adopted by the Group.

Business combinations. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for acquisitions of subsidiaries. 
Identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  are 
measured at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest.

Goodwill  is  measured  by  deducting  the  net  assets  of  the  acquiree  from  the  aggregate  of  the  consideration 
transferred for the acquiree, the amount of non-controlling interest in the acquiree and fair value of an interest in 
the  acquiree  held  immediately  before  the  acquisition  date.  Any  negative  amount  (“negative  goodwill”)  is 
recognized  in  profit  or  loss,  after  management  reassesses  whether  it  identified  all  the  assets  acquired  and  all 
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed and reviews appropriateness of their measurement. 

The  consideration  transferred  for  the  acquiree  is  measured  at  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  transferred,  equity 
instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed, including fair value of assets or liabilities from contingent 
consideration  arrangements  but  excludes  acquisition  related  costs  such  as  advisory,  legal,  valuation  and  similar 
professional services. 

Disposals of joint ventures. If the ownership interest in  a joint venture is reduced but joint control is retained or 
replaced  with  significant  influence,  the  Group  continues  to  apply  the  equity  method  and  does  not  remeasure  the 
retained interest; only a proportionate share of the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income 
are reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.

Extractive activities. The Group follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and gas properties 
and  equipment  whereby  property  acquisitions  and  development  costs  are  capitalized,  and  exploration  costs 
(geological  and  geophysical  expenditures,  expenditures  associated  with  the  maintenance  of  non-proven  reserves 
and other expenditures relating to exploration activity), excluding exploratory drilling expenditures and exploration 
license  acquisition  costs,  are  recognized  within  operating  expenses  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  income  as 
incurred. 

Exploration  license  acquisition  costs  and  exploratory  drilling  costs  are  recognized  as  exploration  assets  within 
property,  plant  and  equipment until  it  is  determined  whether  proved  reserves  justifying  their  commercial 
development have been found. If no proved reserves are found, the relevant costs are charged to the consolidated 
statement of income. When proved reserves are determined, exploration license acquisition costs are reclassified to 
proved  properties  acquisition  costs  and  exploratory  drilling  costs  are  reclassified  to  development  expenditure 
categories within property, plant and equipment. Exploration license acquisition costs and exploratory drilling costs 
recognized as exploration assets are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis. 

The  cost  of  3-D  seismic  surveys  used  to  assist  production,  increase  total  recoverability  and  determine  the 
desirability of drilling additional development wells within proved reservoirs are capitalized as development costs. 
All other seismic costs are expensed as incurred.

Production costs and overheads are charged to expense as incurred. 

19

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

After application of the equity method, including recognizing the joint venture’s losses, the entire carrying amount 

of the investment is tested for impairment as a single asset  whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 

Property,  plant  and  equipment. Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  carried  at  historical  cost  of  acquisition  or 
construction and adjusted for accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment.

that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

When the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the  joint venture, the Group 

does  not  recognize  further  losses,  unless  it  has  incurred  obligations  or  made  payments  on  behalf  of  the  joint 

ventures. The interest in a joint venture is the carrying amount of the investment in the joint venture together with 

any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net investment in the joint venture, including 

receivables and loans for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future.

Unrealized  gains  on  transactions  between  the  Group  and  its  joint  ventures  are  eliminated  to  the  extent  of  the 

Group’s interest in joint ventures; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of 

an impairment of the asset transferred. 

Accounting policies of joint ventures have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies 

adopted by the Group.

Business combinations. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for acquisitions of subsidiaries. 

Identifiable  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  are 

measured at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest.

Goodwill  is  measured  by  deducting  the  net  assets  of  the  acquiree  from  the  aggregate  of  the  consideration 

transferred for the acquiree, the amount of non-controlling interest in the acquiree and fair value of an interest in 

the  acquiree  held  immediately  before  the  acquisition  date.  Any  negative  amount  (“negative  goodwill”)  is 

recognized  in  profit  or  loss,  after  management  reassesses  whether  it  identified  all  the  assets  acquired  and  all 

liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed and reviews appropriateness of their measurement. 

The  consideration  transferred  for  the  acquiree  is  measured  at  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  transferred,  equity 

instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed, including fair value of assets or liabilities from contingent 

consideration  arrangements  but  excludes  acquisition  related  costs  such  as  advisory,  legal,  valuation  and  similar 

professional services. 

Disposals of joint ventures. If the ownership interest in  a joint venture is reduced but joint control is retained or 

replaced  with  significant  influence,  the  Group  continues  to  apply  the  equity  method  and  does  not  remeasure  the 

retained interest; only a proportionate share of the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income 

are reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.

Extractive activities. The Group follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and gas properties 

and  equipment  whereby  property  acquisitions  and  development  costs  are  capitalized,  and  exploration  costs 

(geological  and  geophysical  expenditures,  expenditures  associated  with  the  maintenance  of  non-proven  reserves 

and other expenditures relating to exploration activity), excluding exploratory drilling expenditures and exploration 

license  acquisition  costs,  are  recognized  within  operating  expenses  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  income  as 

incurred. 

Exploration  license  acquisition  costs  and  exploratory  drilling  costs  are  recognized  as  exploration  assets  within 

property,  plant  and  equipment until  it  is  determined  whether  proved  reserves  justifying  their  commercial 

development have been found. If no proved reserves are found, the relevant costs are charged to the consolidated 

statement of income. When proved reserves are determined, exploration license acquisition costs are reclassified to 

proved  properties  acquisition  costs  and  exploratory  drilling  costs  are  reclassified  to  development  expenditure 

categories within property, plant and equipment. Exploration license acquisition costs and exploratory drilling costs 

recognized as exploration assets are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis. 

The  cost  of  3-D  seismic  surveys  used  to  assist  production,  increase  total  recoverability  and  determine  the 

desirability of drilling additional development wells within proved reservoirs are capitalized as development costs. 

All other seismic costs are expensed as incurred.

Production costs and overheads are charged to expense as incurred. 

The  cost  of  self-constructed  assets  includes  the  cost  of  direct  materials,  direct  employee  related  costs,  a  pro-rata 
portion of depreciation of assets used for construction and an allocation of the Group’s overhead costs. 

Depreciation, depletion  and  amortization  of  oil  and  gas  properties  and  equipment  is  calculated  using  the  unit-of-
production method for each field based upon total proved reserves for costs associated with acquisitions of proved 
properties  and  common  infrastructure  facilities,  and  proved  developed  reserves  for  other  development  costs, 
including  wells.  Where  unit-of-production  method  does  not  reflect  useful  life  and  pattern  of  consumption  of 
particular oil and gas assets, such as processing facilities serving several properties, those assets are depreciated on 
a straight-line basis. 

Property, plant and equipment, other than oil and gas properties and equipment, are depreciated on a straight-line 
basis over their estimated useful lives. Land and assets under construction are not depreciated. 

The estimated useful lives of the Group’s property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis are as 
follows:

Machinery and equipment
Processing facilities
Buildings

Years

5-15
20-30
25-50

At each reporting date management assesses whether there is any indication of impairment in respect of property, 
plant  and  equipment.  If  any  such  indication  exists,  management  estimates  the  recoverable  amount,  which  is 
determined as the higher of an asset’s fair value less selling costs and its value in use. For the purposes of assessing 
impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which 
are  largely  independent  of  the  cash  inflows  from  other  assets  or  groups  of  assets  (cash  generating  units). 
The carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount and the impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss 
for the respective period. An impairment loss recognized for an asset in prior years is reversed if there has been a 
change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount. 

Borrowing costs. Interest costs on borrowings and exchange differences arising from foreign currency borrowings 
(to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs) used to finance the construction of property, 
plant and equipment are capitalized during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for 
its intended use. All other borrowing costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.

Asset retirement obligations. An asset retirement obligation is recognized when the Group has a present legal or 
constructive obligation to dismantle, remove and restore items of property, plant and equipment whose construction 
is substantially completed. The obligation is recognized when incurred at the present value of the estimated costs of 
dismantling the assets, including abandonment and site restoration costs, and are included within the carrying value 
of property, plant and equipment. 

Changes  in  the  asset  retirement  obligation  relating  to  a  change  in  the  expected  pattern  of  settlement  of  the 
obligation,  or  in  the  estimated  amount  of  the  obligation  or  in  the  discount  rates,  are  treated  as  a  change  in  an 
accounting  estimate  in  the  current  period.  Such  changes  are  reflected  as  adjustments  to  the  carrying  value  of 
property, plant and equipment and the corresponding liability. Changes in the obligation resulting from the passage 
of time are recognized in the consolidated statement of income as interest expense.

Leases. A contract is (or contains) a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period 
of time in exchange for consideration.

19

20

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost and depreciated by the earlier of the end of the useful life of the 
right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The cost of right-of-use assets comprises of initial measurement of 
the lease liability, any lease payments made before or at the commencement date and initial direct costs. After the 
commencement date, the right-of-use assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses 
in accordance with IAS 16, Property, plant and equipment.

The  lease  liability  is  initially  measured  at  the  present  value  of  the  lease  payments  that  are  not  paid  at  the 
commencement  date  and  subsequently  measured  at  amortized  cost  with  the  interest  expense  recognized  within 
finance income (expense) in the consolidated statement of income.

In accordance with IFRS 16, Leases, the Group elected not to apply accounting requirements under this standard to 
short-term leases. 

Non-current assets held for sale. Non-current assets are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be 
recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use, and the sale within a year from 
the date of classification is highly probable. They are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value 
less costs to sell. 

Property, plant and equipment are not depreciated once classified as held for sale.

The Group ceases to use the equity method of accounting in relation to an interest in a joint venture or an associate 
classified as an asset held for sale.

Inventories. Natural gas, gas condensate, crude oil and gas condensate refined products are valued at the lower of 
cost or net realizable value. The cost of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons includes direct cost of materials, direct 
operating  costs,  and  related  production  overhead  expenses  and  is  recorded  on  weighted  average  cost  basis.  Net 
realizable value is the estimate of the selling price in the ordinary course of business, less selling expenses.

Materials  and  supplies  are  carried  at  amounts  which  do  not  exceed  their  respective  recoverable  amounts  in  the 
normal course of business. 

Financial instruments.  Prior to 1 January 2018, the Group applied IAS 32,  Financial instruments: Presentation,
and  IAS  39,  Financial  instruments:  recognition  and  measurement,  for  accounting  for  its  financial  instruments. 
According to IAS 39, the Group’s financial instruments were classified into the following measurement categories:







Loans  and  receivables  recognized  initially  at  fair  value  plus  directly  attributable  transaction  costs  and 
subsequently  measured at amortised cost using the effective interest  method. This category included the 
Group’s loans provided and receivables with fixed or determinable payments that were  not quoted in an 
active market.

Financial  liabilities  recognized  initially  at  fair  value  less  directly  attributable  transaction  costs  and 
subsequently  measured at amortised cost using the effective interest  method. This category included the
Group’s debt, trade payables and other non-derivative liabilities.

Financial  instruments  measured  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss.  This  category  included  the  Group’s 
derivatives  relating  to  certain  shareholders’  loans  provided  by  the  Group  its  joint  ventures  and  certain 
commodity contracts (see Note 27). 

Starting from 1 January 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 9,  Financial instruments, according to which the financial 
assets are classified in the following measurement categories: those to be measured subsequently at amortised cost, 
those  to  be  measured  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss,  and  those  to  be  measured  at  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive income. The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets 
and  the  contractual  terms  of  the  cash  flows.  If  a  hybrid  contract  contains  a  host  that  is  a  financial  asset,  the 
classification requirements apply to the entire hybrid contract. 

21

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost and depreciated by the earlier of the end of the useful life of the 

right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The cost of right-of-use assets comprises of initial measurement of 

the lease liability, any lease payments made before or at the commencement date and initial direct costs. After the 

commencement date, the right-of-use assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses 

in accordance with IAS 16, Property, plant and equipment.

The  lease  liability  is  initially  measured  at  the  present  value  of  the  lease  payments  that  are  not  paid  at  the 

commencement  date  and  subsequently  measured  at  amortized  cost  with  the  interest  expense  recognized  within 

finance income (expense) in the consolidated statement of income.

In accordance with IFRS 16, Leases, the Group elected not to apply accounting requirements under this standard to 

Non-current assets held for sale. Non-current assets are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be 

recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use, and the sale within a year from 

the date of classification is highly probable. They are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value 

short-term leases. 

less costs to sell. 

Property, plant and equipment are not depreciated once classified as held for sale.

The Group ceases to use the equity method of accounting in relation to an interest in a joint venture or an associate 

classified as an asset held for sale.

Inventories. Natural gas, gas condensate, crude oil and gas condensate refined products are valued at the lower of 

cost or net realizable value. The cost of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons includes direct cost of materials, direct 

operating  costs,  and  related  production  overhead  expenses  and  is  recorded  on  weighted  average  cost  basis.  Net 

realizable value is the estimate of the selling price in the ordinary course of business, less selling expenses.

Materials  and  supplies  are  carried  at  amounts  which  do  not  exceed  their  respective  recoverable  amounts  in  the 

normal course of business. 







Loans  and  receivables  recognized  initially  at  fair  value  plus  directly  attributable  transaction  costs  and 

subsequently  measured at amortised cost using the  effective interest  method. This category included the 

Group’s loans provided and receivables with fixed or determinable payments that were  not quoted in an 

active market.

Financial  liabilities  recognized  initially  at  fair  value  less  directly  attributable  transaction  costs  and 

subsequently  measured at amortised cost using the effective interest  method. This category included the

Group’s debt, trade payables and other non-derivative liabilities.

Financial  instruments  measured  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss.  This  category  included  the  Group’s 

derivatives  relating  to  certain  shareholders’  loans  provided  by  the  Group  its  joint  ventures  and  certain 

commodity contracts (see Note 27). 

Starting from 1 January 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 9,  Financial instruments, according to which the financial 

assets are classified in the following measurement categories: those to be measured subsequently at amortised cost, 

those  to  be  measured  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss,  and  those  to  be  measured  at  fair  value  through  other 

comprehensive income. The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets 

and  the  contractual  terms  of  the  cash  flows.  If  a  hybrid  contract  contains  a  host  that  is  a  financial  asset,  the 

classification requirements apply to the entire hybrid contract. 

Under IFRS 9, financial assets are classified as at amortised cost only if both of the following criteria are met: the 
asset is held within a business model with the objective of collecting the contractual cash flows, and the contractual 
terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal 
outstanding.

Certain shareholders’ loans provided by the Group to its joint ventures include embedded derivatives that modify 
cash flows of the loans based on financial (market interest rates) and non-financial (interest rate on borrowings of 
the  lender  and  free  cash  flows  of  the  borrower)  variables.  The  risks  relating  to  these  variables  are  interrelated; 
therefore, terms and conditions of each of these loans related to those variables were defined as a single compound
embedded derivative. The Group classified these loans as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (see 
Note 27). 

The difference between the loan proceeds and the fair at initial recognition is recorded as the Group’s investment in 
the joint ventures. Subsequently, the loans are measured at fair value at each reporting date with recognition of the 
revaluation through profit or loss. Interest income and foreign exchanges differences (calculated using the effective 
interest method), and the remaining effect from fair value remeasurement of such loans are disclosed separately in 
the consolidated statement of income. 

Other  shareholders’  loans  provided  by  the  Group,  trade  and  other  financial  receivables,  and  cash  and  cash 
equivalents, are classified as at amortised cost. The Group does not have financial assets classified as at fair value 
through other comprehensive income.

In  accordance  with  IFRS  9,  the  Group’s  non-derivative  financial  liabilities  are  measured  at  amortised  cost. 
Derivatives are classified as at fair value through profit or loss. The Group does not apply hedge accounting.

Where there is an active market for a commodity, commodity contracts are accounted for as derivatives except for 
contracts that were entered into and continue to be held for the purpose of the receipt or delivery of a commodity in 
accordance with the Group’s expected purchase, sale or usage requirements. Gains or losses arising from changes 
in the fair value of commodity derivatives are recognized within other operating income (loss) in the consolidated 
statement of income (see Note 27).

Financial instruments.  Prior to 1 January 2018, the Group applied IAS 32,  Financial instruments: Presentation,

and  IAS  39,  Financial  instruments:  recognition  and  measurement,  for  accounting  for  its  financial  instruments. 

According to IAS 39, the Group’s financial instruments were classified into the following measurement categories:

Overall, the  Group’s  financial assets and liabilities that  were measured at amortised cost or at fair value through 
profit  and  loss  under  IAS  39  continue  to  be  measured  at  amortised  cost  or  at  fair  value  through  profit  and  loss, 
respectively, in accordance with IFRS 9. 

IFRS  9  replaced  the  “incurred  loss”  impairment  model  used  in  IAS  39,  Financial  instruments:  recognition  and 
measurement, with a new “expected credit loss” (“ECL”) model that requires a more timely recognition of expected 
credit  losses.  An  allowance  for  expected  credit  losses  shall  be  recorded  for  financial  assets  classified  as  at 
amortised cost. 

Under  IFRS  9,  loss  allowances  are  measured  on  either  of  the  following  bases:  12-month  ECLs  that  result  from 
possible default events within the 12 months after the reporting date; and lifetime ECLs that result from all possible 
default  events  over  the  expected  life  of  a  financial  instrument.  For  trade  receivables,  the  Group  measures  loss 
allowances applying a simplified approach at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs.  To measure  the expected credit 
losses, expected loss rates are applied to trade receivables grouped based on the days past due. For other financial 
assets classified as at amortised cost, including some shareholders’ loans provided, loss allowances are measured as 
12-month  ECLs  unless  there  has  been  a  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  since  origination,  in  which  case  the
allowance is based on the lifetime ECLs. 

The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts future cash payments and receipts through the expected 
life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying value of the financial asset 
or financial liability.

Financial  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  and  the  net  amount  reported  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial 
position only when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to 
either settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

21

22

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Provisions  for  liabilities  and  charges. Provisions  are  recognized  when  the  Group  has  a  present  legal  or 
constructive  obligation  as  a  result  of  past  events;  when  it  is  probable  that  an  outflow  of  resources  embodying 
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation 
can be made.

Provisions  are  measured  at  the  present  value  of  the  expenditures  expected  to  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation 
using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
obligation. Provisions are reassessed at each reporting date, and those changes in the provisions resulting from the 
passage  of  time  are  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  income  as  interest  expense.  Where  the  Group 
expects  a  provision  to  be  reimbursed,  the  reimbursement  is  recognized  as  a  separate  asset  but  only  when  the 
reimbursement is virtually certain.

Pension obligations. The Group performs mandatory contributions to the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation 
on  behalf  of  its  employees  based  on  gross  salary  payments. These  contributions  represent  a  defined  contribution 
plan, are expensed when incurred and are included in the employee compensation in the consolidated statement of 
income.

The Group also operates a non-contributory post-employment defined benefit plan based on employees’  years of 
service and average salary (see Note 16). The liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position 
in respect of the defined benefit pension plan is the present value of the defined benefit obligations at  the balance 
sheet date. The defined benefit obligations are calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit 
credit method.

Actuarial  gains  and  losses  on  assets  and  liabilities  arising  from  experience  adjustments  and  changes  in  actuarial 
assumptions are charged or credited to other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. They are not 
reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods. Past-service costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period 
when a plan is amended or curtailed. 

Non-financial  guarantees. The  Group  issued  a  number  of  shareholder  guarantees  that  provide  compensation  to 
third  parties  if  a  joint  venture  fails  to  perform  a  contractual  obligation.  Such  guarantees  meet  the  definition  of 
insurance  contracts  and  are  accounted  for  under  IFRS  4,  Insurance  contracts.  Liabilities  for  a  non-financial 
guarantee  are  recognized  when  an  outflow  of  resources  embodying  economic  benefits  required  to  settle  the 
obligation is probable. The liabilities are recognized in the amount of best estimates of such an outflow. 

Income  taxes. The income tax charge or benefit comprises current tax and deferred tax  and is recognized  in  the 
consolidated  statement  of  income  unless  it  relates  to  transactions  that  are  recognized,  in  the  same  or  a  different 
period, in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. 

Current tax is the amount expected to be paid to or recovered from the tax authorities in respect of taxable profits or 
losses  for  the  current  and  prior  periods.  Russian tax  legislation  allows  to  prepare  and  file  a  single,  consolidated 
income tax declaration by the taxpayers’ group comprised of a holding company and any number of entities with at 
least  90  percent  ownership  in  each  (direct  or  indirect).  Eligible  taxpayers’ group  must  be  registered  with  tax 
authorities and meet certain conditions and criteria. The tax declaration can be submitted then by any member of 
the  group.  The  Group  prepares  a  consolidated  tax  return  for  the  taxpayers’  group  including  the  Company  and 
majority of its subsidiaries in Russia.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on temporary differences between the financial statement carrying 
amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax base. Deferred tax balances are measured at tax 
rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date which are expected to apply to the period when the 
temporary differences will reverse or when the tax loss carry forwards will be  utilized.  The Group applies a net-
basis accounting in respect of temporary differences arising from right-of-use assets and long-term lease liabilities. 
Deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry forwards are recorded only to the extent 
that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deductions can be utilized. 

23

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Provisions  for  liabilities  and  charges. Provisions  are  recognized  when  the  Group  has  a  present  legal  or 

constructive  obligation  as  a  result  of  past  events;  when  it  is  probable  that  an  outflow  of  resources  embodying 

economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation 

can be made.

Provisions  are  measured  at  the  present  value  of  the  expenditures  expected  to  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation 

using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 

obligation. Provisions are reassessed at each reporting date, and those changes in the provisions resulting from the 

passage  of  time  are  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  income  as  interest  expense.  Where  the  Group 

expects  a  provision  to  be  reimbursed,  the  reimbursement  is  recognized  as  a  separate  asset  but  only  when  the 

reimbursement is virtually certain.

Pension obligations. The Group performs mandatory contributions to the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation 

on  behalf  of  its  employees  based  on  gross  salary  payments. These  contributions  represent  a  defined  contribution 

plan, are expensed when incurred and are included in the employee compensation in the consolidated statement of 

The Group also operates a non-contributory post-employment defined benefit plan based on employees’  years of 

service and average salary (see Note 16). The liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position 

in respect of the defined benefit pension plan is the present value of the defined benefit obligations at  the balance 

sheet date. The defined benefit obligations are calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit 

income.

credit method.

Actuarial  gains  and  losses  on  assets  and  liabilities  arising  from  experience  adjustments  and  changes  in  actuarial 

assumptions are charged or credited to other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. They are not 

reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods. Past-service costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period 

when a plan is amended or curtailed. 

Non-financial  guarantees. The  Group  issued  a  number  of  shareholder  guarantees  that  provide  compensation  to 

third  parties  if  a  joint  venture  fails  to  perform  a  contractual  obligation.  Such  guarantees  meet  the  definition  of 

insurance  contracts  and  are  accounted  for  under  IFRS  4,  Insurance  contracts.  Liabilities  for  a  non-financial 

guarantee  are  recognized  when  an  outflow  of  resources  embodying  economic  benefits  required  to  settle  the 

obligation is probable. The liabilities are recognized in the amount of best estimates of such an outflow. 

Income  taxes. The income tax charge or benefit comprises current tax and deferred tax  and is recognized  in  the 

consolidated  statement  of  income  unless  it  relates  to  transactions  that  are  recognized,  in  the  same  or  a  different 

period, in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. 

Current tax is the amount expected to be paid to or recovered from the tax authorities in respect of taxable profits or 

losses  for  the  current  and  prior  periods.  Russian tax  legislation  allows  to  prepare  and  file  a  single,  consolidated 

income tax declaration by the taxpayers’ group comprised of a holding company and any number of entities with at 

least  90  percent  ownership  in  each  (direct  or  indirect).  Eligible  taxpayers’ group  must  be  registered  with  tax 

authorities and meet certain conditions and criteria. The tax declaration can be submitted then by any member of 

the  group.  The  Group  prepares  a  consolidated  tax  return  for  the  taxpayers’  group  including  the  Company  and 

majority of its subsidiaries in Russia.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on temporary differences between the financial statement carrying 

amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax base. Deferred tax balances are measured at tax 

rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date which are expected to apply to the period when the 

temporary differences will reverse or when the tax loss carry forwards will be  utilized.  The Group applies a net-

basis accounting in respect of temporary differences arising from right-of-use assets and long-term lease liabilities. 

Deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry forwards are recorded only to the extent 

that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deductions can be utilized. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax 
assets  against  current  tax  liabilities  and  when  the  deferred  income  taxes  balances  relate  to  the  same  taxation 
authority and the same taxable entity, consolidated tax group of entities or different taxable entities where there is 
an intention to settle the balances on a net basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted only with respect to 
individual companies of the Group (for companies outside the consolidated tax group of companies) and within the 
consolidated tax payers’ group of companies.

The  Group  controls  the  reversal  of  temporary  differences  relating  to  taxes  chargeable  on  dividends  from 
subsidiaries  or  on  gains  upon  their  disposal.  The  Group  does  not  recognize  deferred  tax  liabilities  on  such 
temporary  differences  except  to  the  extent that  management  expects  the  temporary  differences  to  reverse  in  the 
foreseeable future.

Treasury shares. Where any Group company purchases PAO NOVATEK’s equity share capital (treasury shares), 
the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes), is deducted from 
equity attributable to PAO NOVATEK shareholders until the shares are cancelled or reissued or disposed. Where 
such  shares  are  subsequently  reissued  or  disposed,  any  consideration  received,  net  of  any directly  attributable 
incremental  transaction  costs  and  the  related  income  tax  effects,  is  included  in  equity  attributable  to 
PAO NOVATEK  shareholders.  Treasury  shares  are  recorded  at  weighted  average  cost.  Gains  or  losses  resulting 
from subsequent sales of shares are recorded in the consolidated statement of changes in equity, net of associated 
costs including taxation. 

Dividends. Dividends are recognized as a liability and deducted from shareholders’ equity at the balance sheet date 
only if they are declared before or on the balance sheet date. Dividends are disclosed when they are proposed or 
declared after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are authorized for issue.

Revenue  recognition. Revenues  represent  the  fair value  of  consideration  received  or  receivable  for  the  sale  of 
goods and services in the  normal course of business, net of discounts, export duties, value-added tax, excise and 
fuel taxes.

Revenues  from  oil  and  gas  sales  are  recognized  when  control  over  such  products  has  transferred  to  a  customer, 
which refers to ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the products. 
The Group considers indicators of the transfer of control, which include, but are not limited to the following: the 
Group  has  a  present  right  to  payment  for  the  products;  the  Group  has  transferred  physical  possession  of  the 
products;  the  customer  has  legal  title  to  the  products;  the  customer  has  the  significant  risks  and  rewards  of 
ownership  of  the  products;  the  customer  has  accepted  the  products.  Not  all  of  the  indicators  have  to  be  met  for 
management to conclude that control has transferred and revenue could be recognized. Management uses judgment 
to  determine  whether  factors  collectively  indicate  that  the  customer  has  obtained  control  over  the  products. 
Revenues from services are recognized in the period in which the services are rendered. 

When  the  consideration  includes  a  variable  amount,  minimum  amounts  must  be  recognized  that  are  not  at 
significant  risk  of  reversal.  If  sales  contract  includes  the  variability  associated  with  market  price  it  represents  a 
separated embedded derivative that is treated as part of revenue. Accordingly, at the date of sale the sales price is 
determined on a provisional basis, and the fair value of the final sales price adjustment is re-estimated continuously 
with changes in fair value recognized as an adjustment to revenue. 

Trade receivables are recognized when the goods are transferred as this is the point in time that the consideration is 
unconditional  and  only  the  passage  of  time  is  required  before  the  payment  is  due.  No  significant  element  of 
financing is deemed present as the sales are made with short-term credit terms consistent with market practice.

General and  administrative  expenses. General  and  administrative  expenses  represent  overall  corporate 
management  and  other  expenses  related  to  the  general  management  and  administration  of  the  business  unit  as  a 
whole. They include management and administrative compensation, legal and other advisory expenses, insurance 
of administrative buildings, social expenses and compensatory payments of general nature not directly linked to the 
Group’s oil and gas activities, charity and other expenses necessary for the administration of the Group.

Earnings  per  share. Earnings  per  share  are  determined  by  dividing  the  profit  or  loss  attributable  to 
PAO NOVATEK shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period.

23

24

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Consolidated statement of cash flows. Cash and cash equivalents comprises cash on hand, cash deposits held with 
banks and short-term highly liquid investments which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which 
are not subject to significant risk of change in value and have an original maturity of three months or less.

The  Group  reports  cash  receipts  and  the  repayments  of  short-term  borrowings  which  have  a  maturity  of  three 
months or less on a net basis in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

4

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

Consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS require management to make estimates which
management reviews on a continuous basis, by reference to past experience and other factors considered as
reasonable. Adjustments to accounting estimates and assumptions are recognized in the period in which the
estimate is revised if the change affects only that period or in the period of the revision and subsequent periods, if
both are affected. Management also makes certain judgments, apart from those involving estimations, in the
process of applying the Group’s accounting policies.

Judgments and estimates that have the most significant effect on the amounts reported in these consolidated
financial statements are described below.

instruments. The fair value of financial assets and liabilities, other than financial
Fair value of financial
instruments that are traded in active markets,
is determined by applying various valuation methodologies.
Management uses its judgment to make assumptions primarily based on market conditions existing at each
reporting date.

For commodity derivative contracts where observable information is not available, fair value estimations are
determined using mark-to-market analysis and other acceptable valuation methods, for which the key inputs include
future prices, volatility, price correlation, counterparty credit risk and market liquidity. Fair values of the Group’s
commodity derivative contracts and sensitivities are presented in Note 27.

In some cases, judgment is required to determine whether contracts to buy or sell commodities meet the definition
of a derivative. Contracts to buy or sell LNG are not considered to meet the definition of a derivative, as they are
not considered capable of being net settled. Therefore, such contracts are not within the scope of IFRS 9, Financial
Instruments, and are accounted for on an accruals basis.

Fair value estimation of shareholders’ loans to joint ventures is determined using benchmark interest rates adjusted
for the borrower credit risk and free cash flows from the borrower’s strategic plans approved by the shareholders of
the joint ventures. Fair values of the shareholders’ loans to joint ventures and sensitivities are presented in Note 27.

Discounted cash flow analysis is used for loans and receivables as well as debt instruments that are not traded in
active markets. The effective interest rate is determined by reference to the interest rates of financial instruments
available to the Group in active markets. In the absence of such instruments, the effective interest rate is determined
by reference to the interest rates of active market financial instruments available adjusted for the Group’s specific
risk premium estimated by management.

Deferred income tax asset recognition. Management assesses deferred income tax assets at each reporting date and
determines the amount recorded to the extent that realization of the related tax benefit is probable. In determining
future taxable profits and the amount of tax benefits that are probable in the future management makes judgments
and applies estimations based on prior years taxable profits and expectations of future income that are believed to
be reasonable under the circumstances.

Estimation of oil and gas reserves. Oil and gas reserves have a direct impact on certain amounts reported in the
consolidated financial statements, most notably depreciation, depletion and amortization, as well as impairment
expenses and asset retirement obligations. The Group’s principal oil and gas reserves have been independently
estimated by internationally recognized petroleum engineers whereas other oil and gas reserves of the Group have
been determined based on estimates of hydrocarbon reserves prepared by the Group’s management in accordance
with internationally recognized definitions.

25

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

4

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (CONTINUED)

Consolidated statement of cash flows. Cash and cash equivalents comprises cash on hand, cash deposits held with 

banks and short-term highly liquid investments which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which 

are not subject to significant risk of change in value and have an original maturity of three months or less.

The  Group  reports  cash  receipts  and  the  repayments  of  short-term  borrowings  which  have  a  maturity  of  three 

months or less on a net basis in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

4

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

Consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS require management to make estimates which

management reviews on a continuous basis, by reference to past experience and other factors considered as

reasonable. Adjustments to accounting estimates and assumptions are recognized in the period in which the

estimate is revised if the change affects only that period or in the period of the revision and subsequent periods, if

both are affected. Management also makes certain judgments, apart from those involving estimations, in the

process of applying the Group’s accounting policies.

Judgments and estimates that have the most significant effect on the amounts reported in these consolidated

financial statements are described below.

Fair value of financial

instruments. The fair value of financial assets and liabilities, other than financial

instruments that are traded in active markets,

is determined by applying various valuation methodologies.

Management uses its judgment to make assumptions primarily based on market conditions existing at each

reporting date.

For commodity derivative contracts where observable information is not available, fair value estimations are

determined using mark-to-market analysis and other acceptable valuation methods, for which the key inputs include

future prices, volatility, price correlation, counterparty credit risk and market liquidity. Fair values of the Group’s

commodity derivative contracts and sensitivities are presented in Note 27.

In some cases, judgment is required to determine whether contracts to buy or sell commodities meet the definition

of a derivative. Contracts to buy or sell LNG are not considered to meet the definition of a derivative, as they are

not considered capable of being net settled. Therefore, such contracts are not within the scope of IFRS 9, Financial

Instruments, and are accounted for on an accruals basis.

Fair value estimation of shareholders’ loans to joint ventures is determined using benchmark interest rates adjusted

for the borrower credit risk and free cash flows from the borrower’s strategic plans approved by the shareholders of

the joint ventures. Fair values of the shareholders’ loans to joint ventures and sensitivities are presented in Note 27.

Discounted cash flow analysis is used for loans and receivables as well as debt instruments that are not traded in

active markets. The effective interest rate is determined by reference to the interest rates of financial instruments

available to the Group in active markets. In the absence of such instruments, the effective interest rate is determined

by reference to the interest rates of active market financial instruments available adjusted for the Group’s specific

risk premium estimated by management.

Deferred income tax asset recognition. Management assesses deferred income tax assets at each reporting date and

determines the amount recorded to the extent that realization of the related tax benefit is probable. In determining

future taxable profits and the amount of tax benefits that are probable in the future management makes judgments

and applies estimations based on prior years taxable profits and expectations of future income that are believed to

be reasonable under the circumstances.

Estimation of oil and gas reserves. Oil and gas reserves have a direct impact on certain amounts reported in the

consolidated financial statements, most notably depreciation, depletion and amortization, as well as impairment

expenses and asset retirement obligations. The Group’s principal oil and gas reserves have been independently

estimated by internationally recognized petroleum engineers whereas other oil and gas reserves of the Group have

been determined based on estimates of hydrocarbon reserves prepared by the Group’s management in accordance

with internationally recognized definitions.

Depreciation rates on oil and gas assets using the unit-of-production method are based on proved developed
reserves and total proved reserves estimated by the Group in accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC) for proved reserves. The Group also uses estimated probable and possible
reserves to calculate future cash flows from oil and gas properties, which serve as an indicator in determining their
economic lives and whether or not property impairment is present.

A portion of the reserves estimated by the Group includes reserves expected to be produced beyond license expiry
dates. The Group’s management believes that there is requisite legislation and past experience to extend mineral
licenses at the initiative of the Group and, as such, intends to extend its licenses for properties expected to produce
beyond the current license expiry dates.

Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited nature of reservoir data, estimates of underground reserves are
subject to change over time as additional information becomes available, such as from development drilling and
production activities or from changes in economic factors, including product prices, contract terms or development
plans. In general, estimates of reserves for undeveloped or partially developed fields are subject to greater
uncertainty over their future life than estimates of reserves for fields that are substantially developed and depleted.
As those fields are further developed, new information may lead to further revisions in reserve estimates.

Impairment of investments in joint ventures and property, plant and equipment. Management assesses whether
there are any indicators of possible impairment of investments in joint ventures and property, plant and equipment
at each reporting date based on events or circumstances that indicate that the carrying value of assets may not be
recoverable. Such indicators include changes in the Group’s business plans, changes in commodity prices leading
to unprofitable performances, changes in product mixes, and for oil and gas properties, significant downward
revisions of estimated proved reserves. When value in use calculations are undertaken, management estimates the
expected future cash flows from the asset or cash generating unit and chooses a suitable discount rate in order to
calculate the present value of those cash flows.

Pension obligations. The costs of defined benefit pension plans and related current service costs are determined
using actuarial valuations. The actuarial valuations involve making demographic assumptions (mortality rates, age
of retirement, employee turnover and disability) as well as financial assumptions (discount rates, expected rates of
return on assets, future salary and pension increases). Due to the long-term nature of these plans, such estimates are
subject to significant uncertainty.

Asset retirement obligations. The Group’s exploration, development and production activities involve the use of
wells, related equipment and operating sites, oil and gas gathering and treatment facilities and in-field pipelines.
Generally, licenses and other regulatory acts require that such assets be decommissioned upon the completion of
production, i.e. the Group is obliged to decommission wells, dismantle equipment, restore the sites and perform
other related activities. The Group’s estimates of these obligations are based on current regulatory or license
requirements, as well as actual dismantling and related costs.

The Group’s management believes that due to the limited history of gas and gas condensate processing plants
activities, the useful lives of these assets are indeterminable (while certain of the operating components and
equipment have definite useful lives). Because of these reasons, and the lack of clear legal requirements as to the
recognition of obligations, the present value of an asset retirement obligation for such processing facilities cannot
be reasonably estimated and, therefore, legal or contractual asset retirement obligations related to these assets are
not recognized.

In accordance with the guidelines of IFRIC 1, Changes in Existing Decommissioning, Restoration and Similar
Liabilities, the amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the expenditures required to settle the
present obligation at the reporting date based on current legislation where the Group’s respective operating assets
are located, and is subject to change because of modifications, revisions and changes in laws and regulations and
their interpretation thereof. Estimating future asset retirement obligations is complex and requires management to
make estimates and judgments with respect to removal obligations that will occur many years in the future.

25

26

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

5

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

Assets held for sale

In May 2018, NOVATEK and TOTAL S.A. agreed in principle on the acquisition by TOTAL of a 10 percent
participation interest in the Arctic LNG 2 project. The transaction is expected to close no later than 31 March 2019.
In July 2018, the NOVATEK’s Board of Directors approved the sale of a 10 percent participation interest in
OOO Arctic LNG 2 to TOTAL.

It is expected that with a new participant added, key financial and operational decisions regarding the Arctic LNG 2
project will be  subject  to  unanimous  approval  by  both  participants  and  none  of  the  participants  will  have  a 
preferential  voting  right.  Management  believes  that  upon  closing  this  transaction,  the  Group  will  exercise  joint 
control over OOO Arctic LNG 2.

At 31 December 2018, in accordance with IFRS 5,  Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations,
the conditions  for  recognition  of  an  asset  held  for  sale  have  been  met.  Therefore,  assets  and  liabilities  related  to 
Arctic LNG 2 project, excluding intercompany balances, have been classified as assets and liabilities held for sale. 
No impairment of assets was identified as a result of the decision to sell an interest in this entity.

Below is a breakdown of major classes of assets and liabilities for assets classified as held for sale:

Property, plant and equipment
Other non-current assets
Prepayments and other current assets

Total assets classified as held for sale

Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Total liabilities associated with assets held for sale

At 31 December 2018

53,955
3,829
3,636

61,420

3,539
1,342

4,881

Acquisition of AO Geotransgas and OOO Urengoyskaya gasovaya companiya

In  February  2018,  upon  the  results  of  an  auction  held  by  AK  ALROSA  (PAO),  the  Group  acquired  100  percent 
participation  interests  in  Maretiom  Investments  Limited  and  Velarion  Investments  Limited  for  total  cash 
consideration  of  RR  30.3  billion.  These  companies  owned  100  percent  participation  interests  in  AO Geotransgas 
(renamed  to  AO  NOVATEK-Pur in  November  2018) and  OOO  Urengoyskaya  gasovaya  companiya  (merged 
into OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in January 2019), which held the licenses for exploration and production 
of hydrocarbons within the Beregovoy and Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license areas located in YNAO, respectively. 

In  accordance  with  IFRS 3,  Business  Combinations,  the  Group assessed  fair  values  of  the  identified  assets  and 
liabilities of the acquired companies at the acquisition date.

27

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

5

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

Assets held for sale

In May 2018, NOVATEK and TOTAL S.A. agreed in principle on the acquisition by TOTAL of a 10 percent

participation interest in the Arctic LNG 2 project. The transaction is expected to close no later than 31 March 2019.

In July 2018, the NOVATEK’s Board of Directors approved the sale of a 10 percent participation interest in

OOO Arctic LNG 2 to TOTAL.

It is expected that with a new participant added, key financial and operational decisions regarding the Arctic LNG 2

project will be  subject  to  unanimous  approval  by  both  participants  and  none  of  the  participants  will  have  a 

preferential  voting  right.  Management  believes  that  upon  closing  this  transaction,  the  Group  will  exercise  joint 

control over OOO Arctic LNG 2.

At 31 December 2018, in accordance with IFRS 5,  Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations,

the conditions  for  recognition  of  an  asset  held  for  sale  have  been  met.  Therefore,  assets  and  liabilities  related  to 

Arctic LNG 2 project, excluding intercompany balances, have been classified as assets and liabilities held for sale. 

No impairment of assets was identified as a result of the decision to sell an interest in this entity.

Below is a breakdown of major classes of assets and liabilities for assets classified as held for sale:

Property, plant and equipment

Other non-current assets

Prepayments and other current assets

Total assets classified as held for sale

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Total liabilities associated with assets held for sale

At 31 December 2018

53,955

3,829

3,636

61,420

3,539

1,342

4,881

Acquisition of AO Geotransgas and OOO Urengoyskaya gasovaya companiya

In  February  2018,  upon  the  results  of  an  auction  held  by  AK  ALROSA  (PAO),  the  Group  acquired  100  percent 

participation  interests  in  Maretiom  Investments  Limited  and  Velarion  Investments  Limited  for  total  cash 

consideration  of  RR  30.3  billion.  These  companies  owned  100  percent  participation  interests  in  AO Geotransgas 

(renamed  to  AO  NOVATEK-Pur in  November  2018) and  OOO  Urengoyskaya  gasovaya  companiya  (merged 

into OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in January 2019), which held the licenses for exploration and production 

of hydrocarbons within the Beregovoy and Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license areas located in YNAO, respectively. 

In  accordance  with  IFRS 3,  Business  Combinations,  the  Group assessed  fair  values  of  the  identified  assets  and 

liabilities of the acquired companies at the acquisition date.

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

5

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS (CONTINUED)

The following table represents the net fair values comprising 100 percent of the assets and liabilities of the acquired 
companies:

Fair values at the acquisition date

Property, plant and equipment
Other non-current assets
Other current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Deferred income tax liabilities
Long-term debt
Other non-current liabilities
Trade payables and accrued liabilities

Total identifiable net assets

Purchase consideration

Goodwill

36,274
220
195
424
(4,531)
(1,007)
(417)
(858)

30,300

(30,300)

-

For  the  period  from  the  date  of  acquisition  to  31  December  2018,  the  acquired  companies  contributed 
RR 4.2 billion to the Group’s revenues. The financial and operational activities of the acquired companies would 
have increased the Group’s revenues  for 2018 by an additional RR 0.8 billion, if the acquisition had occurred in 
January 2018. 

Acquisition of OOO Chernichnoye

In January 2018, the Group acquired a 100 percent participation interest in OOO Chernichnoye for RR 616 million.
OOO Chernichnoye is a holder of the license for exploration and production of hydrocarbons within the
Chernichniy license area located in YNAO. OOO Chernichnoye had no notable operating activities at and before
the acquisition date and, accordingly, this acquisition is outside the definition of business as defined in IFRS 3,
Business Combinations. The cost of the acquisition has been allocated to property, plant and equipment, primarily
to the license cost.

Disposal of an ownership interest in AO Arcticgas

At 31 December 2017, the Group held an effective 53.3 percent participation interest in AO Arcticgas through two
of the Group’s other joint ventures, OOO SeverEnergia and OOO Yamal Development. SeverEnergia was owned
by the Group (a 6.7 percent participation interest) and Yamal Development (a 93.3 percent participation interest).
Yamal Development was a joint venture of the Group and PAO Gazprom Neft with a 50 percent participation
interest held by each investor. Arcticgas was a wholly owned subsidiary of SeverEnergia.

In the first quarter of 2018, the Group and Gazprom Neft completed the final stage of the previously commenced
restructuring procedures to achieve parity shareholdings in Arcticgas. In January 2018, Yamal Development and
SeverEnergia were merged with Arcticgas. As a result, the Group and Gazprom Neft obtained direct participation
interests in Arcticgas of 53.3 percent and 46.7 percent, respectively. Subsequently, in March 2018, Gazprom Neft
subscribed to Arcticgas’s additional share emission for a total cash consideration of RR 32,098 million. As a result
of the aforementioned transactions,
in Arcticgas decreased from 53.3 to
the Group’s participation interest
50 percent and the Group recognised a gain on the disposal of the 3.3 percent ownership interest in Arcticgas in the
amount of RR 1,645 million.

The Group continues to exercise joint control over Arcticgas and recognizes it as a joint venture, and, accordingly,
accounts for this investment under the equity method.

27

28

 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

5

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS (CONTINUED)

Acquisition of AO Eurotek and AO South-Khadyryakhinskoye

In December 2017, the Group acquired for total cash consideration of RR 5,412 million 100 percent ownership
interests in AO Eurotek and AO South-Khadyryakhinskoye (merged into OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas in
May 2018), which held licenses for exploration and production of hydrocarbons within the Syskonsyninskiy license
area located in Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region and the South-Khadyryakhinskiy license area located in
YNAO, respectively.

In  accordance with  IFRS 3,  Business  Combinations,  the  Group  assessed  fair  values  of  the  identified  assets  and 
liabilities of acquired companies at the acquisition date:

Property, plant and equipment
Deferred income tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Non-current liabilities
Trade payables and accrued liabilities

Total identifiable net assets

Purchase consideration

Goodwill

Fair values
at the acquisition date

2,466
680
2,701
101
(375)
(161)

5,412

(5,412)

-

The  financial  and  operational  activities  of  the  acquired  companies  would  not  have  had  a  material  impact  on  the 
Group’s  revenues  for  2017,  if  the  acquisition  had  occurred  in  January  2017.  The  financial  results  of  these 
companies after the acquisition date did not have a material impact on the Group’s revenues and results for the year 
ended 31 December 2017.

Acquisition of ООО Severneft-Urengoy

In  November  2017,  the  Group  acquired  for  a  cash  consideration  of  RR  13,062  million  a  100  percent  ownership 
interest  in  OOO  Severneft-Urengoy  (merged  into  OOO  NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas  in  January  2019),  which 
held a license for exploration and production of hydrocarbons within the West-Yaroyakhinsky license area, located 
in YNAO.

In  accordance  with  IFRS  3,  Business  Combinations,  the  Group  assessed  fair  values  of  the  identified  assets  and 
liabilities of OOO Severneft-Urengoy at the acquisition date:

Property, plant and equipment
Other non-current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Deferred income tax liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Total identifiable net assets

Purchase consideration

Goodwill

29

Fair values
at the acquisition date

14,252
140
67
208
(858)
(145)
(602)

13,062

(13,062)

-

 
 
PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

5

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS (CONTINUED)

5

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS (CONTINUED)

The financial and operational activities of Severneft-Urengoy would have increased the Group’s revenues for 2017 
by  an  additional  RR  6.3  billion,  if  the  acquisition  had  occurred  in  January  2017.  The  financial  results  of  this 
company after the acquisition date did not have a material impact on the Group’s revenues and results for the year 
ended 31 December 2017.

Acquisition of a participation interest in ООО Cryogas-Vysotsk

In  July  2017,  NOVATEK  acquired  a  51  percent  ownership  interest  in  OOO  Cryogas-Vysotsk  for  a  cash 
consideration of RR 1,583 million. Cryogas-Vysotsk undertakes a project to construct the first train of a medium-
scale plant to liquefy natural gas with annual capacity of 660 thousand tons, located at the port of Vysotsk on the 
Baltic Sea. 

The  Charter  of  Cryogas-Vysotsk  stipulates  that  key  financial and  operating  decisions  regarding  its  business 
activities  are  subject  to  unanimous  approval  by  the  Board  of  Directors.  Consequently,  the  voting  mechanism 
effectively  establishes  joint  control  over  Cryogas-Vysotsk  and  the  Group  accounts  for  the  investment  under  the 
equity method.

In  accordance  with  IFRS  11,  Joint  Arrangements,  the  Group  assessed  fair  values  of  the  identified  assets  and 
liabilities of Cryogas-Vysotsk at the acquisition date:

Property, plant and equipment
Deferred income tax assets
Prepayments and other current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term debt
Other current liabilities

Total identifiable net assets

Purchase consideration
Fair value of the Group’s interest in net assets 

(RR 3,103 million at 51 percent ownership)

Goodwill

Fair values 
at the acquisition date

15,804
111
1,393
447
(13,199)
(1,453)

3,103

1,583

(1,583)

-

Acquisition of AO Eurotek and AO South-Khadyryakhinskoye

In December 2017, the Group acquired for total cash consideration of RR 5,412 million 100 percent ownership

interests in AO Eurotek and AO South-Khadyryakhinskoye (merged into OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas in

May 2018), which held licenses for exploration and production of hydrocarbons within the Syskonsyninskiy license

area located in Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region and the South-Khadyryakhinskiy license area located in

YNAO, respectively.

In  accordance with  IFRS 3,  Business  Combinations,  the  Group  assessed  fair  values  of  the  identified  assets  and 

liabilities of acquired companies at the acquisition date:

The  financial  and  operational  activities  of  the  acquired  companies  would  not  have  had  a  material  impact  on  the 

Group’s  revenues  for  2017,  if  the  acquisition  had  occurred  in  January  2017.  The  financial  results  of  these 

companies after the acquisition date did not have a material impact on the Group’s revenues and results for the year 

In  November  2017,  the  Group  acquired  for  a  cash  consideration  of  RR  13,062  million  a  100  percent  ownership 

interest  in  OOO  Severneft-Urengoy  (merged  into  OOO  NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas  in  January  2019),  which 

held a license for exploration and production of hydrocarbons within the West-Yaroyakhinsky license area, located 

in YNAO.

In  accordance  with  IFRS  3,  Business  Combinations,  the  Group  assessed  fair  values  of  the  identified  assets  and 

liabilities of OOO Severneft-Urengoy at the acquisition date:

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred income tax assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Non-current liabilities

Trade payables and accrued liabilities

Total identifiable net assets

Purchase consideration

Goodwill

ended 31 December 2017.

Acquisition of ООО Severneft-Urengoy

Property, plant and equipment

Other non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Deferred income tax liabilities

Other non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Total identifiable net assets

Purchase consideration

Goodwill

Fair values

at the acquisition date

2,466

680

2,701

101

(375)

(161)

5,412

(5,412)

-

Fair values

at the acquisition date

14,252

140

67

208

(858)

(145)

(602)

13,062

(13,062)

-

29

30

 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

6

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Movements in property, plant and equipment, for the reporting periods are as follows:

Cost
Accumulated depreciation, 
depletion and amortization

Oil and gas
properties and 
equipment

Assets under 
construction 
and advances 
for construction

412,368

34,776

Other

15,642

Total

462,786

(127,635)

-

(3,100)

(130,735)

Net book value at 1 January 2017

284,733

34,776

12,542

332,051

Additions
Transfers
Acquisition of subsidiaries (see Note 5)
Changes in asset retirement costs
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Disposals, net
Currency translation differences

1,797
42,740
14,873
(1,486)
(33,943)
(371)
(99)

46,238
(43,640)
1,756
-
-
(207)
3

29
900
89
-
(668)
(27)
16

48,064
-
16,718
(1,486)
(34,611)
(605)
(80)

Cost
Accumulated depreciation, 
depletion and amortization

479,569

38,926

16,709

535,204

(171,325)

-

(3,828)

(175,153)

Net book value at 31 December 2017

308,244

38,926

12,881

360,051

Additions
Transfers
Acquisition of subsidiaries (see Note 5)
Changes in asset retirement costs
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Reclassification to assets held for sale (see Note 5)
Disposals, net
Currency translation differences

3,671
21,451
31,878
1,375
(32,307)
(18,469)
(697)
1,764

94,813
(23,104)
4,827
-
-
(35,431)
(2,109)
31

-
1,653
215
-
(886)
(55)
(504)
34

98,484
-
36,920
1,375
(33,193)
(53,955)
(3,310)
1,829

Cost
Accumulated depreciation, 
depletion and amortization

525,089

77,953

17,949

620,991

(208,179)

-

(4,611)

(212,790)

Net book value at 31 December 2018

316,910

77,953

13,338

408,201

Included  in  additions  to  property,  plant  and  equipment  for  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017  are 
capitalized interest and foreign exchange differences of RR 7,395 million and RR 3,827 million, respectively.

Included  in  additions  to  property,  plant  and  equipment  for  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017  are 
RR 22,896 million  and  RR 8,593 million,  respectively,  related  to  the  Arctic  LNG  2  project,  which  assets  were 
classified as assets held for sale at 31 December 2018.

Included within assets under construction and advances for construction are advances to suppliers for construction 
and equipment of RR 15,526 million and RR 6,554 million at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In November 2018, the Group won an auction for an oil and gas exploration and production license for the South-
Leskinskiy license area located on the Gydan peninsula in the YNAO for the total amount of RR 2,041 million, of 
which RR 35 million were paid at the reporting date as the auction’s participation fee and included within assets 
under construction and advances for construction. The remaining amount of RR 2,006 million  was paid after the 
state registration of the license in January 2019.

31

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

6

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

6

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

Movements in property, plant and equipment, for the reporting periods are as follows:

In March 2018, the Group won an auction for an oil and gas exploration and production license for the Payutskiy 
license area located in Krasnoyarsk Territory for a payment of RR 66 million, which was included within oil and 
gas properties and equipment.

Other

15,642

Total

462,786

In 2017, the Group purchased through auctions oil and gas exploration and production licenses for the Shtormovoy, 
the Gydanskiy, the Upper-Tiuteyskiy and the West-Seyakhinskiy license areas located in the YNAO for the total 
amount of RR 9,727 million, which were included in additions to oil and gas properties and equipment.

(127,635)

(3,100)

(130,735)

The  table  below  summarizes  the  Group’s  carrying  values  of  total  acquisition  costs  of  proved  and  unproved 
properties included in oil and gas properties and equipment:

Proved properties acquisition costs
Less accumulated depletion of proved properties acquisition costs
Unproved properties acquisition costs

Total acquisition costs

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

71,087
(19,197)
11,947

58,951
(18,001)
11,376

63,837

52,326

The  Group’s  management  believes  these  costs  are  recoverable  as  the  Group  plans  to  explore  and  develop  the 
respective fields.

Reconciliation of depreciation, depletion and amortization (DDA):

Depreciation, depletion and amortization of property, plant and equipment 
Add: DDA of intangible assets
Less: DDA capitalized in the course of intra-group construction services

DDA as presented in the consolidated statement of income

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

33,193
622
(721)

33,094

34,611
639
(727)

34,523

At  31  December  2018  and  2017,  no  property,  plant  and  equipment  were  pledged  as  security  for  the  Group’s 
borrowings. No impairment was recognized in respect of oil and gas properties and equipment for the years ended 
31 December 2018 and 2017.

Capital commitments are disclosed in Note 28.

Net book value at 1 January 2017

284,733

34,776

12,542

332,051

Cost

Accumulated depreciation, 

depletion and amortization

Additions

Transfers

Acquisition of subsidiaries (see Note 5)

Changes in asset retirement costs

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Disposals, net

Currency translation differences

Additions

Transfers

Acquisition of subsidiaries (see Note 5)

Changes in asset retirement costs

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Reclassification to assets held for sale (see Note 5)

Disposals, net

Currency translation differences

Oil and gas

properties and 

Assets under 

construction 

and advances 

equipment

for construction

412,368

34,776

1,797

42,740

14,873

(1,486)

(33,943)

(371)

(99)

3,671

21,451

31,878

1,375

(32,307)

(18,469)

(697)

1,764

46,238

(43,640)

1,756

(207)

94,813

(23,104)

4,827

(35,431)

(2,109)

31

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

Cost

Accumulated depreciation, 

depletion and amortization

479,569

38,926

16,709

535,204

(171,325)

(3,828)

(175,153)

Net book value at 31 December 2017

308,244

38,926

12,881

360,051

29

900

89

-

(668)

(27)

16

1,653

215

-

-

(886)

(55)

(504)

34

48,064

-

16,718

(1,486)

(34,611)

(605)

(80)

98,484

-

36,920

1,375

(33,193)

(53,955)

(3,310)

1,829

Cost

Accumulated depreciation, 

depletion and amortization

525,089

77,953

17,949

620,991

(208,179)

(4,611)

(212,790)

Net book value at 31 December 2018

316,910

77,953

13,338

408,201

Included  in  additions  to  property,  plant  and  equipment  for  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017  are 

capitalized interest and foreign exchange differences of RR 7,395 million and RR 3,827 million, respectively.

Included  in  additions  to  property,  plant  and  equipment  for  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017  are 

RR 22,896 million  and  RR 8,593 million,  respectively,  related  to  the  Arctic  LNG  2  project,  which  assets  were 

classified as assets held for sale at 31 December 2018.

Included within assets under construction and advances for construction are advances to suppliers for construction 

and equipment of RR 15,526 million and RR 6,554 million at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In November 2018, the Group won an auction for an oil and gas exploration and production license for the South-

Leskinskiy license area located on the Gydan peninsula in the YNAO for the total amount of RR 2,041 million, of 

which RR 35 million were paid at the reporting date as the auction’s participation fee and included within assets 

under construction and advances for construction. The remaining amount of RR 2,006 million  was paid after the 

state registration of the license in January 2019.

31

32

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

6

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

Leases.  Included  in  property,  plant  and  equipment  at  31  December  2018  and  2017  are  the  right-of-use  assets 
primarily  related  to  long-term  agreements  on  time  chartering  of  marine  tankers.  Movements  in  the  carrying 
amounts of the right-of-use assets are as follows:

Net book value at 1 January 2017

Additions
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Other movements

Net book value at 31 December 2017

Additions
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Other movements

Net book value at 31 December 2018

Oil and gas properties 
and equipment

16

7,123
(375)
(130)

6,634

2,308
(1,677)
-
1,731

8,996

Other

240

500
(129)
-

611

172
(219)
(15)
25

574

Total

256

7,623
(504)
(130)

7,245

2,480
(1,896)
(15)
1,756

9,570

The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is disclosed in Note 27.

Exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources. The amounts of assets, liabilities, expense and cash flows 
arising from the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources comprise the following:

Net book value of assets at 1 January

Additions
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Reclassification to proved properties and development expenditures
Reclassification to assets held for sale

Net book value of assets at 31 December

Liabilities
Cash flows used for operating activities
Cash flows used for investing activities

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

17,805

5,417
14
(3,685)
(240)

19,311

1,938
7,012
4,463

15,472

6,345
834
(4,846)
-

17,805

689
1,819
5,749

For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group has recognized exploration expenses within operating 
expenses  in  the  amount  of  RR 7,012 million  and  RR 1,819 million,  respectively.  These  expenses  included 
employee compensations in the amount of RR 207 million and RR 301 million, respectively.

33

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

6

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

7

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES

Leases.  Included  in  property,  plant  and  equipment  at  31  December  2018  and  2017  are  the  right-of-use  assets 

primarily  related  to  long-term  agreements  on  time  chartering  of  marine  tankers.  Movements  in  the  carrying 

amounts of the right-of-use assets are as follows:

Net book value at 1 January 2017

Additions

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Other movements

Net book value at 31 December 2017

Additions

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Reclassification to assets held for sale

Other movements

Net book value at 31 December 2018

Oil and gas properties 

and equipment

16

7,123

(375)

(130)

6,634

2,308

(1,677)

-

1,731

8,996

The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is disclosed in Note 27.

Exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources. The amounts of assets, liabilities, expense and cash flows 

arising from the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources comprise the following:

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

Net book value of assets at 1 January

Additions

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Reclassification to proved properties and development expenditures

Reclassification to assets held for sale

Net book value of assets at 31 December

Liabilities

Cash flows used for operating activities

Cash flows used for investing activities

For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group has recognized exploration expenses within operating 

expenses  in  the  amount  of  RR 7,012 million  and  RR 1,819 million,  respectively.  These  expenses  included 

employee compensations in the amount of RR 207 million and RR 301 million, respectively.

Other

240

500

(129)

-

611

172

(219)

(15)

25

574

17,805

5,417

14

(3,685)

(240)

19,311

1,938

7,012

4,463

Total

256

7,623

(504)

(130)

7,245

2,480

(1,896)

(15)

1,756

9,570

15,472

6,345

834

(4,846)

-

17,805

689

1,819

5,749

Joint ventures:

AO Arcticgas (combined investments in OOO SeverEnergia and

OOO Yamal Development at 31 December 2017)

OAO Yamal LNG
ZAO Nortgas
OOO Cryogas-Vysotsk
ZAO Terneftegas
Rostock LNG GmbH

Total investments in joint ventures

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

146,631
48,378
44,064
2,991
2,434
2

244,500

101,539
126,377
50,519
3,841
3,050
-

285,326

The  Group  considers  that  Arcticgas,  Yamal  LNG,  Nortgas,  Cryogas-Vysotsk,  Terneftegas  and  Rostock  LNG 
GmbH constitute jointly controlled entities on the basis of the existing contractual arrangements. The Charters and 
Shareholders’ agreements of these entities stipulate that strategic and/or key decisions of a financial, operating and 
capital  nature  require  effectively  the  unanimous  approval  by  all  participants  or  by  a  group  of  participants.  The 
Group accounts for its shares in joint ventures under the equity method.

AO Arcticgas. Arcticgas operates the Samburgskoye, Urengoyskoye and Yaro-Yakhinskoye fields, located in the 
YNAO.

At  31  December  2017,  the  Group  held  an  effective  53.3  percent  participation  interest  in  Arcticgas  through 
SeverEnergia and Yamal Development, the Group’s joint ventures with PAO Gazprom Neft. In the first quarter of 
the  2018,  the  Group  and  Gazprom  Neft  completed  the  final  stage  of  the  previously  commenced  restructuring 
procedures to achieve parity shareholdings in Arcticgas. As a result, Yamal Development and SeverEnergia were 
merged  with  Arcticgas,  and  the  Group’s  participation  ownership  in  Arcticgas  was  reduced  to  50  percent 
(see Note 5).

OAO  Yamal  LNG. The  Group  holds  a  50.1  percent  ownership  in  Yamal LNG,  along  with  TOTAL S.A. 
(20 percent),  China  National  Petroleum  Corporation  (“CNPC”,  20  percent)  and  Silk  Road  Fund  Co.  Ltd. 
(9.9 percent).  The  joint  venture  is  responsible  for  implementing  an integrated project on natural gas production,
liquefaction and shipping. The project envisages the production of liquefied natural gas at the plant with an annual
capacity of 17.4 million tons, including 5.5 million tons for each of the first three LNG trains and 0.9 million tons
for the fourth LNG train, based on the feedstock resources of the South-Tambeyskoye field located on the Yamal 
peninsula in YNAO. Yamal LNG is the holder of the LNG export license.

At 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group’s 50.1 percent ownership in Yamal LNG  was pledged in connection 
with credit line facility agreements signed by Yamal LNG with a number of Russian and foreign banks to obtain 
external project financing.

In accordance with the equity method of accounting, investment in Yamal LNG at 31 December 2018 was reduced 
for the Group’s share of loss of the joint venture for the year ended 31 December 2018 in the amount of RR 78,978 
million, of  which  RR 108,285  million  were attributable to the Group’s share  of  net  foreign exchange  loss of the 
joint venture.

ZAO  Nortgas.  The  Group  holds  a  50  percent  ownership  in  Nortgas,  its  joint  venture  with  PAO Gazprom  Neft. 
Nortgas operates the North-Urengoyskoye field, located in the YNAO. 

In accordance with the equity method of accounting, investment in Nortgas at 31 December 2018 was reduced for 
the Group’s share in dividends declared by the joint venture during 2018 in the amount of RR 8,500 million.

OOO  Cryogas-Vysotsk. The  Group  holds  a  51  percent  ownership  interest  in  Cryogas-Vysotsk  acquired in 
July 2017  (see  Note  5).  Cryogas-Vysotsk  is  a  joint  venture  with  AO  Gazprombank  group.  Cryogas-Vysotsk  is 
undertaking a project to construct the first train of a medium-scale LNG plant with annual capacity of 660 thousand 
tons, located at the port of Vysotsk on the Baltic Sea. 

33

34

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

7

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES (CONTINUED)

At  31  December  2018  and  2017,  the  Group’s  51  percent  ownership  interest  in  Cryogas-Vysotsk  was  pledged  in 
connection with credit line facility agreements signed by the joint venture with a Russian bank to obtain external 
project financing.

ZAO  Terneftegas. The  Group  holds  a  51  percent  ownership  in  Terneftegas,  its  joint  venture  with  TOTAL S.A.. 
Terneftegas operates the Termokarstovoye field, located in the YNAO.

Rostock  LNG  GmbH. The  Group  holds  a  49  percent  ownership  interest  in  Rostock LNG GmbH since October
2018. Rostock LNG GmbH is a joint venture with the company Fluxys Germany Holding GmbH. The joint venture 
is  undertaking a project to construct and operate a mid-scale LNG transshipment terminal with capacity of
approximately 300 thousand tons per annum located in the port of Rostock in Germany.

The table below summarizes the movements in the carrying amounts of the Group’s joint ventures:

At 1 January

Share of profit from operations
Share of finance income (expense)
Share of total income tax benefit (expense)

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures, net of income tax

Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of joint ventures

Group’s costs capitalized in investments
Gain on disposal of interests in joint ventures (see Note 5)
Acquisitions of joint ventures (see Note 5)
Contributions to equity
Dividends received from joint ventures
Elimination of the Group’s share in profits of joint ventures 

from hydrocarbons balances purchased by the Group 
from joint ventures and not sold at the reporting date

At 31 December

Year ended 31 December:
2017

2018

285,326

124,211
(160,836)
(633)

(37,258)

(465)

1,378
1,645
2
-
(8,500)

259,650

39,854
(10,297)
(7,127)

22,430

(79)

1,328
-
1,583
2,269
(2,383)

2,372

528

244,500

285,326

For  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017,  the  Group  recorded  commission  fees  in  the  amount  of 
RR 1,378 million and RR 1,328 million, respectively, for the guarantee received from the State Corporation “Bank 
for  Development  and  Foreign  Economic  Affairs  (Vnesheconombank)”  (see Note 28)  as  an  increase  to  the 
investment in Yamal LNG.

In  October  2017,  the  capital  of  Cryogas-Vysotsk  was  increased  through  proportional  contributions  by  its 
participants totalling RR 4,449 million, of which RR 2,269 million was contributed by NOVATEK.

In  2018  and  2017,  Nortgas  declared  dividends  in  the  total  amount  of  RR  17,001  million  and  RR  4,766  million, 
respectively, of which RR 8,500 million and RR 2,383 million, respectively, were attributable to NOVATEK.

The  Group  eliminates  its  share  in  profits  of  joint  ventures  from  natural  gas  and  liquid  hydrocarbons  balances 
purchased by the Group from its joint ventures and not sold at the reporting date. 

35

 
 
 
 
At  31  December  2018  and  2017,  the  Group’s  51  percent  ownership  interest  in  Cryogas-Vysotsk  was  pledged  in 

connection with credit line facility agreements signed by the joint venture with a Russian bank to obtain external 

project financing.

ZAO  Terneftegas. The  Group  holds  a  51  percent  ownership  in  Terneftegas,  its  joint  venture  with  TOTAL S.A.. 

Terneftegas operates the Termokarstovoye field, located in the YNAO.

Rostock  LNG  GmbH. The  Group  holds  a  49  percent  ownership  interest  in  Rostock LNG GmbH since October

2018. Rostock LNG GmbH is a joint venture with the company Fluxys Germany Holding GmbH. The joint venture 

is  undertaking a project to construct and operate a mid-scale LNG transshipment terminal with capacity of

approximately 300 thousand tons per annum located in the port of Rostock in Germany.

The table below summarizes the movements in the carrying amounts of the Group’s joint ventures:

At 1 January

Share of profit from operations

Share of finance income (expense)

Share of total income tax benefit (expense)

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures, net of income tax

Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of joint ventures

Group’s costs capitalized in investments

Gain on disposal of interests in joint ventures (see Note 5)

Acquisitions of joint ventures (see Note 5)

Contributions to equity

Dividends received from joint ventures

Elimination of the Group’s share in profits of joint ventures 

from hydrocarbons balances purchased by the Group 

from joint ventures and not sold at the reporting date

At 31 December

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

285,326

124,211

(160,836)

(633)

(37,258)

(465)

1,378

1,645

2

-

(8,500)

259,650

39,854

(10,297)

(7,127)

22,430

(79)

1,328

-

1,583

2,269

(2,383)

2,372

528

244,500

285,326

For  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017,  the  Group  recorded  commission  fees  in  the  amount  of 

RR 1,378 million and RR 1,328 million, respectively, for the guarantee received from the State Corporation “Bank 

for  Development  and  Foreign  Economic  Affairs  (Vnesheconombank)”  (see Note 28)  as  an  increase  to  the 

investment in Yamal LNG.

In  October  2017,  the  capital  of  Cryogas-Vysotsk  was  increased  through  proportional  contributions  by  its 

participants totalling RR 4,449 million, of which RR 2,269 million was contributed by NOVATEK.

In  2018  and  2017,  Nortgas  declared  dividends  in  the  total  amount  of  RR  17,001  million  and  RR  4,766  million, 

respectively, of which RR 8,500 million and RR 2,383 million, respectively, were attributable to NOVATEK.

The  Group  eliminates  its  share  in  profits  of  joint  ventures  from  natural  gas  and  liquid  hydrocarbons  balances 

purchased by the Group from its joint ventures and not sold at the reporting date. 

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

7

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES (CONTINUED)

7

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES (CONTINUED)

The summarized statements of financial position for the Group’s principal joint ventures are as follows:

At 31 December 2018

Property, plant and equipment

and materials for construction

Other non-current non-financial assets
Non-current financial assets

Total non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Other current financial assets
Current non-financial assets

Total current assets

Non-current financial liabilities
Non-current non-financial liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Trade payables and accrued liabilities
Other current financial liabilities
Current non-financial liabilities

Total current liabilities

Net assets

At 31 December 2017

Property, plant and equipment

and materials for construction

Other non-current non-financial assets
Non-current financial assets

Total non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Other current financial assets
Current non-financial assets

Total current assets

Non-current financial liabilities
Non-current non-financial liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Trade payables and accrued liabilities
Other current financial liabilities
Current non-financial liabilities

Total current liabilities

Arcticgas(*)

Yamal LNG

Nortgas

400,606
13
70
400,689

27,139
27,595
2,117
56,851

(65,160)
(46,800)
(111,960)

(12,868)
(28,615)
(10,834)
(52,317)

2,155,305
828
-
2,156,133

8,407
37,685
32,213
78,305

(1,832,224)
(24,312)
(1,856,536)

(36,558)
(244,567)
(163)
(281,288)

130,956
36
9
131,001

1,151
2,053
444
3,648

(15,435)
(23,504)
(38,939)

(468)
(5,587)
(1,527)
(7,582)

293,263

96,614

88,128

388,589
276
68
388,933

8,660
17,484
948
27,092

(125,663)
(42,218)
(167,881)

(24,919)
(29,647)
(12,948)
(67,514)

1,741,465
391
-
1,741,856

29,297
19,793
16,994
66,084

(1,484,498)
(38,705)
(1,523,203)

(26,946)
(5,294)
(112)
(32,352)

135,180
44
12,226
147,450

1,409
2,550
321
4,280

(20,970)
(23,149)
(44,119)

(693)
(3,881)
(2,000)
(6,574)

Net assets

180,630

252,385

101,037

(*) – at 31 December 2017, combined data for the Group’s joint ventures Arcticgas, SeverEnergia and Yamal Development after 

mutual balances elimination.

35

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

7

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES (CONTINUED)

The summarized statements of comprehensive income (loss) of the Group’s principal joint ventures are presented 
below:

For the year ended 31 December 2018

Arcticgas(*)

Yamal LNG

Revenues
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Profit from operations
Change in fair value of

non-commodity financial instruments

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
Profit (loss) before income tax
Income tax benefit (expense) 

Profit (loss), net of income tax

Other comprehensive loss

195,066
(21,219) 
108,904

-
(7)
102,971
(17,056)

85,915

(95)

181,835
(31,253)
129,722

(24,624)
(216,255)
(174,202)
16,477

(157,725)

(798)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

85,820

(158,523)

For the year ended 31 December 2017

Revenues
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Profit from operations
Change in fair value of

non-commodity financial instruments

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense

Profit (loss), net of income tax

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income (loss)

147,207
(22,903)
66,724

-
1
47,557
(7,348)

40,209

(66)

40,143

3,613
(895)
528

27,110
(26,089)
1,505
(4,589)

(3,084)

(94)

(3,178)

Nortgas

23,339
(7,288) 
6,623

-
-
5,162
(1,059)

4,103

(11)

4,092

23,087
(6,914) 
5,581

-
-
4,400
(950)

3,450

(91)

3,359

(*) – for the year ended 31 December 2017,  combined data for  the Group’s joint ventures Arcticgas, SeverEnergia and Yamal 

Development after mutual transactions elimination.  

The information above reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of the joint ventures adjusted for 
differences in accounting policies between the Group and the joint ventures.

Reconciliation  of  the  summarized  financial  information  presented  to  the  Group’s  share  in  net  assets  of  the  joint 
ventures:

As at and for the year ended 31 December 2018

Arcticgas

Yamal LNG

Net assets at 1 January 2018

Profit (loss), net of income tax
Other comprehensive loss
Restructuring (see Note 5)
Other equity movements
Dividends

Net assets at 31 December 2018

Ownership

Group’s share in net assets

180,630

85,915
(95)
26,813
-
-

293,263

50%

146,631

252,385

(157,725)
(798)
-
2,752
-

96,614

50.1%

48,378

37

Nortgas

101,037

4,103
(11)
-
-
(17,001)

88,128

50%

44,064

 
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

7

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES (CONTINUED)

7

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES (CONTINUED)

The summarized statements of comprehensive income (loss) of the Group’s principal joint ventures are presented 

As at and for the year ended 31 December 2017

For the year ended 31 December 2018

Arcticgas(*)

Yamal LNG

Net assets at 1 January 2017

Profit (loss), net of income tax
Other comprehensive loss
Other equity movements
Dividends

Net assets at 31 December 2017

Ownership

Arcticgas

Yamal LNG

140,487

252,870

40,209
(66)
-
-

180,630

53.3%, 50%

(3,084)
(94)
2,693
-

252,385

50.1%

Nortgas

102,444

3,450
(91)
-
(4,766)

101,037

50%

Total comprehensive income (loss)

85,820

(158,523)

The following table presents long-term loans (including interest accrued) and receivables:

Group’s share in net assets

101,539

126,377

50,519

8

LONG-TERM LOANS AND RECEIVABLES

Long-term loans receivable
Other long-term receivables 

Total
Less: current portion of long-term loans receivable

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

272,901
407

273,308
(40,386)

212,363
429

212,792
(891)

Total long-term loans and receivables

232,922

211,901

The Group’s long-term loans receivable by borrowers are as follows:

OAO Yamal LNG
OOO Cryogas-Vysotsk
ZAO Terneftegas

Total long-term loans receivable

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

265,606
6,012
1,283

272,901

204,596
5,313
2,454

212,363

OAO Yamal LNG. In accordance with the Shareholders’ agreement, in prior years the Group provided US dollar 
and  Euro  credit  line  facilities  to  Yamal  LNG,  the  Group’s  joint  venture.  In  2018,  the  shareholders  opened 
additional credit line facilities denominated in Euros to finance construction of the fourth train of the LNG Plant. 
The loans interest rates are set based on market interest rates, interest rates on borrowings of shareholders and/or 
combination thereof. The repayment schedules are linked to free cash flows of the joint venture. 

OOO Cryogas-Vysotsk. The Group provided Russian rouble denominated loans under agreed credit line facilities 
to  Cryogas-Vysotsk,  the  Group’s  joint  venture.  The  loans  are  repayable  not  later  than  2033  and  bear  variable 
interest rates.

ZAO  Terneftegas. In  accordance  with  the  Shareholders’  agreement,  the  Group  provided  US dollar  denominated 
loans  to  Terneftegas,  the  Group’s  joint  venture.  The  loans  interest  rate is  set  based  on  market  interest  rates  and 
interest  rates  on  borrowings  of  shareholders.  The  repayment  schedule  is  linked  to  free  cash  flows  of  the  joint 
venture.

37

38

below:

Revenues

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Profit from operations

Change in fair value of

non-commodity financial instruments

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

Profit (loss) before income tax

Income tax benefit (expense) 

Profit (loss), net of income tax

Other comprehensive loss

For the year ended 31 December 2017

Revenues

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Profit from operations

Change in fair value of

non-commodity financial instruments

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit (loss), net of income tax

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Net assets at 1 January 2018

Profit (loss), net of income tax

Other comprehensive loss

Restructuring (see Note 5)

Other equity movements

Dividends

Net assets at 31 December 2018

Ownership

Group’s share in net assets

195,066

(21,219) 

108,904

-

(7)

102,971

(17,056)

85,915

(95)

147,207

(22,903)

66,724

-

1

47,557

(7,348)

40,209

(66)

40,143

180,630

85,915

(95)

26,813

-

-

293,263

50%

146,631

181,835

(31,253)

129,722

(24,624)

(216,255)

(174,202)

16,477

(157,725)

(798)

3,613

(895)

528

27,110

(26,089)

1,505

(4,589)

(3,084)

(94)

(3,178)

252,385

(157,725)

(798)

2,752

-

-

96,614

50.1%

48,378

Nortgas

23,339

(7,288) 

6,623

-

-

5,162

(1,059)

4,103

(11)

4,092

23,087

(6,914) 

5,581

-

-

4,400

(950)

3,450

(91)

3,359

Nortgas

101,037

4,103

(11)

-

-

(17,001)

88,128

50%

44,064

(*) – for the year ended 31 December 2017,  combined data for  the Group’s joint ventures Arcticgas, SeverEnergia and Yamal 

Development after mutual transactions elimination.  

The information above reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of the joint ventures adjusted for 

differences in accounting policies between the Group and the joint ventures.

Reconciliation  of  the  summarized  financial  information  presented  to  the  Group’s  share  in  net  assets  of  the  joint 

ventures:

As at and for the year ended 31 December 2018

Arcticgas

Yamal LNG

 
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

8

LONG-TERM LOANS AND RECEIVABLES (CONTINUED)

For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, Terneftegas repaid to the Group a part of the loans and accrued 
interest in the total amount of RR 1,673 million and RR 910 million, respectively.

No provisions for impairment of long-term loans and receivables were recognized at 31 December 2018 and 2017.
The carrying values of long-term loans and receivables approximate their respective fair values. 

9

OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Financial assets

Commodity derivatives
Other financial assets

Non-financial assets

Long-term advances 
Materials for construction
Deferred income tax assets
Intangible assets, net 
Other non-financial assets

Total other non-current assets

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

2,397
7

15,289
10,852
6,486
2,119
277

37,427

1,705
10

20,228
2,694
6,898
1,665
248

33,448

At  31  December  2018  and  2017,  the  long-term  advances  represented  advances  to  OAO  Russian  Railways.  The 
advances were paid in accordance with the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with Russian Railways in 2012.

10  

INVENTORIES

Natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons 
Materials and supplies (net of provision of 

RR 4 million at 31 December 2018 and 2017)

Other inventories

Total inventories

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

14,465

2,760
26

17,251

8,711

2,337
36

11,084

No inventories were pledged as security for the Group’s borrowings or payables at both dates.

11

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables (net of provision of RR 349 million and 

RR 284 million at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively)

Other receivables (net of provision of RR 323 million and 

RR 19 million at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively)

Total trade and other receivables

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

52,882

1,551

54,433

43,387

1,116

44,503

Trade  receivables  in  the  amount  RR 12,413 million  and  RR 8,921 million  at  31  December  2018  and  2017,
respectively, are  secured  by  letters  of  credit,  issued  by  banks  with  investment  grade  rating.  The  Group  does  not 
hold any other collateral as security for trade and other receivables (see Note 27 for credit risk disclosures).

39

 
PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

8

LONG-TERM LOANS AND RECEIVABLES (CONTINUED)

11

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (CONTINUED)

For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, Terneftegas repaid to the Group a part of the loans and accrued 

interest in the total amount of RR 1,673 million and RR 910 million, respectively.

The carrying values of trade and other receivables approximate their respective fair values. Trade and other 
receivables were categorized as Level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy described in Note 27.

No provisions for impairment of long-term loans and receivables were recognized at 31 December 2018 and 2017.

Movements in the Group’s provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows:

The carrying values of long-term loans and receivables approximate their respective fair values. 

9

OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Financial assets

Commodity derivatives

Other financial assets

Non-financial assets

Long-term advances 

Materials for construction

Deferred income tax assets

Intangible assets, net 

Other non-financial assets

Total other non-current assets

10  

INVENTORIES

Natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons 

Materials and supplies (net of provision of 

RR 4 million at 31 December 2018 and 2017)

Other inventories

Total inventories

At  31  December  2018  and  2017,  the  long-term  advances  represented  advances  to  OAO  Russian  Railways.  The 

advances were paid in accordance with the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with Russian Railways in 2012.

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

No inventories were pledged as security for the Group’s borrowings or payables at both dates.

11

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables (net of provision of RR 349 million and 

RR 284 million at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively)

Other receivables (net of provision of RR 323 million and 

RR 19 million at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively)

Total trade and other receivables

Trade  receivables  in  the  amount  RR 12,413 million  and  RR 8,921 million  at  31  December  2018  and  2017,

respectively, are  secured  by  letters  of  credit,  issued  by  banks  with  investment  grade  rating.  The  Group  does  not 

hold any other collateral as security for trade and other receivables (see Note 27 for credit risk disclosures).

2,397

7

15,289

10,852

6,486

2,119

277

37,427

14,465

2,760

26

17,251

52,882

1,551

54,433

1,705

10

20,228

2,694

6,898

1,665

248

33,448

8,711

2,337

36

11,084

43,387

1,116

44,503

At 1 January

Additional provision recorded
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Receivables written off as uncollectible
Provision reversed

At 31 December

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

284

42
107
(26)
(58)

349

196

55
55
(15)
(7)

284

The provision for impaired trade and other receivables has been included in the consolidated statement of income in 
net impairment expenses.

12

PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Financial assets

Current portion of long-term loans receivable (see Note 8)
Commodity derivatives

Non-financial assets

Value-added tax receivable
Recoverable value-added tax
Prepayments and advances to suppliers 
Deferred transportation expenses for natural gas
Deferred export duties for liquid hydrocarbons
Deferred transportation expenses for liquid hydrocarbons
Prepaid customs duties
Other non-financial assets

Total prepayments and other current assets

13

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

40,386
9,313

12,646
8,467
7,066
3,963
3,210
3,100
604
890

89,645

891
2,117

8,057
7,284
6,326
1,965
1,829
2,140
561
693

31,863

Cash at current bank accounts
Bank deposits with original maturity of three months or less

Total cash and cash equivalents

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

30,196
11,276

41,472

28,994
36,949

65,943

All deposits are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are not subject to  significant risk of change in 
value (see Note 27 for credit risk disclosures).

39

40

 
  
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

14

LONG-TERM DEBT

Corporate bonds

Eurobonds – Ten-Year Tenor 

(par value USD 1 billion, repayable in 2022)

Eurobonds – Ten-Year Tenor 

(par value USD 650 million, repayable in 2021)

Bank loans

Syndicated term credit line facility
Other bank loans

Other borrowings

Loan from Silk Road Fund
Other loans

Total
Less: current portion of long-term debt

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

69,359

45,094

-
8,953

48,757
-

172,163
(2,120)

57,481

37,364

13,280
6,887

39,716
1,022

155,750
(14,302)

Total long-term debt

170,043

141,448

In  December  2012,  the  Group  issued  US  dollar  denominated  Eurobonds  in  the  amount  of 
Eurobonds.
USD 1 billion.  The  US dollar  denominated  Eurobonds  were  issued  with  an  annual  coupon  rate  of  4.422  percent, 
payable semi-annually. The Eurobonds have a ten-year tenor and are repayable in December 2022.

In  February  2011,  the  Group  issued  US  dollar  denominated  Eurobonds  in  the  amount  of USD 650 million. 
The US dollar  denominated  Eurobonds  were  issued  with  an  annual  coupon  rate  of  6.604  percent,  payable
semi-annually. The Eurobonds have a ten-year tenor and are repayable in February 2021.

Syndicated term credit line facility. In June 2013, the Group obtained a USD 1.5 billion unsecured syndicated term 
credit  line  facility  from  a  range  of  international  banks  and  withdrew  the  full  amount  under  the  facility  by 
June 2014. The  loan  was  repayable  until  July  2018  by  quarterly  equal  installments  starting  from  June  2015. The 
facility included the maintenance of certain restrictive financial covenants. In February 2018, the credit line facility 
was fully repaid ahead of its maturity schedule.

Other bank loans. In December 2016, the Group obtained EUR 100 million under a revolving credit line facility 
from the Russian subsidiary of a foreign bank. The loan is repayable in April 2020 and includes the maintenance of 
certain restrictive financial covenants.

In  February  2018,  the  Group  acquired  a  100  percent  participation  interest  in  AO  Geotransgas  (see  Note  5)  and 
consolidated RUR 1,007 million credit line facility obtained by AO Geotransgas from a Russian bank repayable in 
December 2020.

Loan  from  Silk  Road  Fund. In December  2015,  the  Group  obtained  a  loan  from  China’s  investment  fund  Silk 
Road  Fund which  is  repayable  until  December  2030 by  semi-annual  equal  installments  starting  from  December 
2019 and includes the maintenance of certain restrictive financial covenants.

Other  loans. At  31  December  2017,  other  loans  represented  Russian  rouble  denominated  loans,  which  were 
provided to one of the Group’s subsidiaries by its non-controlling shareholder. The loans were initially repayable 
until  the  end  of  2017,  which  was  subsequently extended  to  the  end  of  2018. In  July  2018,  the  loans  were  fully 
repaid.

The fair value of long-term debt including its  current portion was RR 176,984 million and RR 167,760 million at 
31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fair value of the corporate bonds was determined based on market 
quote prices (Level 1 in the fair value measurement hierarchy described in Note 27). The fair value of other long-
term  loans  was  determined  based  on  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the  estimated  risk-adjusted  discount  rate 
(Level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy described in Note 27).

41

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

14

LONG-TERM DEBT

14

LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt at the reporting date were as follows:

Corporate bonds

Eurobonds – Ten-Year Tenor 

(par value USD 1 billion, repayable in 2022)

Eurobonds – Ten-Year Tenor 

(par value USD 650 million, repayable in 2021)

Bank loans

Syndicated term credit line facility

Other bank loans

Other borrowings

Loan from Silk Road Fund

Other loans

Total

Less: current portion of long-term debt

Total long-term debt

69,359

45,094

8,953

48,757

-

-

57,481

37,364

13,280

6,887

39,716

1,022

172,163

(2,120)

155,750

(14,302)

170,043

141,448

Eurobonds.

In  December  2012,  the  Group  issued  US  dollar  denominated  Eurobonds  in  the  amount  of 

USD 1 billion.  The  US dollar  denominated  Eurobonds  were  issued  with  an  annual  coupon  rate  of  4.422  percent, 

payable semi-annually. The Eurobonds have a ten-year tenor and are repayable in December 2022.

In  February  2011,  the  Group  issued  US  dollar  denominated  Eurobonds  in  the  amount  of USD 650 million. 

The US dollar  denominated  Eurobonds  were  issued  with  an  annual  coupon  rate  of  6.604  percent,  payable

semi-annually. The Eurobonds have a ten-year tenor and are repayable in February 2021.

Syndicated term credit line facility. In June 2013, the Group obtained a USD 1.5 billion unsecured syndicated term 

credit  line  facility  from  a  range  of  international  banks  and  withdrew  the  full  amount  under  the  facility  by 

June 2014. The  loan  was  repayable  until  July  2018  by  quarterly  equal  installments  starting  from  June  2015. The 

facility included the maintenance of certain restrictive financial covenants. In February 2018, the credit line facility 

was fully repaid ahead of its maturity schedule.

Other bank loans. In December 2016, the Group obtained EUR 100 million under a revolving credit line facility 

from the Russian subsidiary of a foreign bank. The loan is repayable in April 2020 and includes the maintenance of 

certain restrictive financial covenants.

In  February  2018,  the  Group  acquired  a  100  percent  participation  interest  in  AO  Geotransgas  (see  Note  5)  and 

consolidated RUR 1,007 million credit line facility obtained by AO Geotransgas from a Russian bank repayable in 

December 2020.

Loan  from  Silk  Road  Fund. In December  2015,  the  Group  obtained  a  loan  from  China’s  investment  fund  Silk 

Road  Fund which  is  repayable  until  December  2030 by  semi-annual  equal  installments  starting  from  December 

2019 and includes the maintenance of certain restrictive financial covenants.

Other  loans. At  31  December  2017,  other  loans  represented  Russian  rouble  denominated  loans,  which  were 

provided to one of the Group’s subsidiaries by its non-controlling shareholder. The loans were initially repayable 

until  the  end  of  2017,  which  was  subsequently extended  to  the  end  of  2018. In  July  2018,  the  loans  were  fully 

repaid.

The fair value of long-term debt including its  current portion was RR 176,984 million and RR 167,760 million at 

31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fair value of the corporate bonds was determined based on market 

quote prices (Level 1 in the fair value measurement hierarchy described in Note 27). The fair value of other long-

term  loans  was  determined  based  on  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the  estimated  risk-adjusted  discount  rate 

(Level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy described in Note 27).

Maturity period:

1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020
1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021
1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022
1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
After 31 December 2023

Total long-term debt

At 31 December 2018

13,193
49,334
73,599
4,240
29,677

170,043

Available credit line facilities. In addition to disclosed above, at 31 December 2018, the Group had available long-
term  credit  line  facilities  from  banks  with  credit  limits  in  the  amounts of  RR  50  billion,  the  equivalent  of 
USD 750 million,  and  EUR  50  million.  The facilities  include  the  maintenance  of  certain  restrictive  financial 
covenants.

15

SHORT-TERM DEBT AND CURRENT PORTION OF LONG-TERM DEBT

At 31 December 2018 and 2017, short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt consisted only of current
portion of long-term debt in the amount of RR 2,120 million and RR 14,302 million, respectively.

Loans with original maturity three months or less. During 2018 and 2017, the Group had available revolving credit
line facilities under which the obtained loans with original maturities of three months or less to finance trade
activities were secured by cash revenues from specifically determined liquid hydrocarbons export sales contracts.
At 31 December 2018 and 2017, these loans were repaid.

Available credit line facilities. At 31 December 2018, the Group had available short-term revolving credit line
facilities from Russian banks, with credit limits in the total amount of RR 70 billion. Subsequent to the balance sheet
date, in February 2019, the Group extended one of its short-term revolving credit line facilities in the amount of
RR 50 billion to 2022.

16

PENSION OBLIGATIONS

Defined  contribution  plan.  For  the  years  ended  31  December  2018  and  2017,  total  amounts  recognized  as  an 
expense  in  respect  of  payments  made  by  employer  on  behalf  of  employees  to  the  Pension  Fund  of  the  Russian 
Federation were RR 2,608 million and RR 2,111 million, respectively.

Defined benefit plan. The Group operates a post-employment benefit program for its retired employees. Under the 
current terms of pension program, employees who are employed by the Group for more than five years and retire 
from  the  Group  on  or  after  the  statutory  retirement  age  will  receive  a  lump  sum  retirement  benefit  and  monthly 
payments from NOVATEK for life unless they are actively employed. The amounts of payments to be disbursed 
depend on the employee’s average salary, duration and location of employment. 

The program represents an unfunded defined benefit plan and is accounted for as such under provisions of IAS 19, 
Employee Benefits. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is included in other non-current liabilities in 
the consolidated statement of financial position. The impact of the program on the consolidated financial statements 
is disclosed below.

41

42

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

16

PENSION OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

The movements in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:

At 1 January

Interest cost
Current service cost
Past service cost
Benefits paid
Actuarial gains (losses) arising from:
- changes in financial assumptions
- changes in demographic assumptions
- experience adjustments

Reclassification to liabilities associated with assets held for sale

At 31 December

Defined benefit plan (benefits) costs were recognized in:

Materials, services and other (as employee compensation)
General and administrative expenses (as employee compensation)
Other operating income (loss)
Other comprehensive loss

The principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows:

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

3,198

217
254
(80)
(138)

180
(15)
560
(2)

4,174

206
185
-
725

2,249

197
181
(35)
(118)

345
122
257
-

3,198

225
153
(35)
724

Weighted average discount rate
Projected annual increase in employee compensation
Expected increases to pension benefits 

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

7.7%
5.0%
5.0%

6.9%
4.0%
4.3%

The discount rate was determined by reference to Russian rouble denominated bonds issued by the Government of 
the Russian Federation chosen to match the duration of the post-employment benefit obligations.

The assumed average salary and pension payment increases for Group employees have been calculated on the basis 
of inflation forecasts, analysis of increases of past salaries and the general salary policy of the Group.

Mortality assumptions are based on the Russian mortality tables published by the Federal State Statistics Service 
from the year 2014 adjusted for estimates of mortality improvements in the future periods.

Management has assessed that reasonable changes in the principal significant actuarial assumptions will not have a 
significant impact on the consolidated statement of income or the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
or the liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position.

43

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

16

PENSION OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

17

TRADE PAYABLES AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

The movements in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

At 1 January

Interest cost

Current service cost

Past service cost

Benefits paid

Actuarial gains (losses) arising from:

- changes in financial assumptions

- changes in demographic assumptions

- experience adjustments

Reclassification to liabilities associated with assets held for sale

At 31 December

Defined benefit plan (benefits) costs were recognized in:

Materials, services and other (as employee compensation)

General and administrative expenses (as employee compensation)

Other operating income (loss)

Other comprehensive loss

The principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows:

Weighted average discount rate

Projected annual increase in employee compensation

Expected increases to pension benefits 

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

3,198

217

254

(80)

(138)

180

(15)

560

(2)

4,174

206

185

-

725

7.7%

5.0%

5.0%

2,249

197

181

(35)

(118)

345

122

257

-

3,198

225

153

(35)

724

6.9%

4.0%

4.3%

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

The discount rate was determined by reference to Russian rouble denominated bonds issued by the Government of 

the Russian Federation chosen to match the duration of the post-employment benefit obligations.

The assumed average salary and pension payment increases for Group employees have been calculated on the basis 

of inflation forecasts, analysis of increases of past salaries and the general salary policy of the Group.

Mortality assumptions are based on the Russian mortality tables published by the Federal State Statistics Service 

from the year 2014 adjusted for estimates of mortality improvements in the future periods.

Management has assessed that reasonable changes in the principal significant actuarial assumptions will not have a 

significant impact on the consolidated statement of income or the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

or the liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Financial liabilities
Trade payables
Commodity derivatives
Interest payable
Dividends payable to non-controlling interest
Other payables

Non-financial liabilities

Advances from customers
Salary payables
Other liabilities and accruals

Total trade payables and accrued liabilities

52,314
8,492
1,451
-
2,017

5,447
837
8,683

79,241

30,936
3,333
1,221
1,633
775

4,474
472
6,157

49,001

The  carrying  values  of  trade  payables  and  accrued  liabilities  approximate  their  respective  fair  values.  Trade  and 
other payables were categorized as Level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy described in Note 27.

During the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, advances from customers in the amount of RR 4,394 million 
and RR 2,422 million, respectively, remained at the beginning of the respective period were recognized as revenue. 

18

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Ordinary  share  capital. Share  capital  issued  and  paid  in  consisted  of  3,036,306,000  ordinary  shares  with  a  par 
value  of  RR  0.1  each  at  31  December  2018  and  2017.  The  total  authorized  number  of  ordinary  shares  was 
10,593,682,000 shares at both dates.

Treasury  shares.  In  accordance  with  the  Share  Buyback  Programs authorized  by  the  Board  of  Directors,
the  Group’s  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Novatek  Equity  (Cyprus)  Limited,  purchases  ordinary  shares  of 
PAO NOVATEK  in  the  form  of  Global  Depository  Receipts  (GDRs)  on  the  London  Stock  Exchange  (LSE)  and 
ordinary shares on the Moscow Exchange through the use of independent brokers. NOVATEK also purchases its 
ordinary shares from shareholders where required by Russian legislation. 

During  the  years  ended  31 December  2018  and  2017,  the  Group purchased 2.7 million  and  2.1 million  ordinary 
shares at a total cost of RR 2,092 million and RR 1,440 million, respectively. At 31 December 2018 and 2017, the 
Group held in total 23.4 million and 20.7 million ordinary shares at a total cost of RR 10,445 million and RR 8,353 
million, respectively. The Group has decided that these shares do not vote. 

Dividends. Dividends (including tax on dividends) declared and paid were as follows:

Dividends payable at 1 January
Dividends declared (*)
Dividends paid (*)

Dividends payable at 31 December

Dividends per share declared during the year (in Russian roubles)
Dividends per GDR declared during the year (in Russian roubles)
(*) – excluding treasury shares.

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

1
51,979
(51,980)

-

17.25
172.50

1
42,075
(42,075)

1

13.95
139.50

43

44

 
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

18

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

The Group declares and pays dividends in Russian roubles. Dividends declared in 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

Final for 2017: RR 8.00 per share or RR 80.00 per GDR declared in April 2018
Interim for 2018: RR 9.25 per share or RR 92.50 per GDR declared in September 2018

Total dividends declared in 2018

Final for 2016: RR 7.00 per share or RR 70.00 per GDR declared in April 2017
Interim for 2017: RR 6.95 per share or RR 69.50 per GDR declared in September 2017

Total dividends declared in 2017

24,291
28,086

52,377

21,254
21,102

42,356

Distributable  retained  earnings. The basis for distribution  of profits of a company to shareholders is defined by 
Russian  legislation  as  net  profit  presented  in  its  statutory  financial  statements  prepared  in  accordance  with  the 
Regulations on Accounting and Reporting of the Russian Federation, which may differ significantly from amounts 
calculated  on  the  basis  of  IFRS.  At 31 December  2018  and  2017,  NOVATEK’s  closing  balances  of  the 
accumulated profit including the respective year’s net statutory profit totaled RR 551,913 million and RR 445,104 
million, respectively.

19

OIL AND GAS SALES

Natural gas
Naphtha
Crude oil
Other gas and gas condensate refined products
Liquefied petroleum gas
Stable gas condensate

Total oil and gas sales

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

375,198
149,770
106,257
89,686
56,243
48,607

825,761

247,663
111,979
77,102
69,066
40,016
33,993

579,819

20

PURCHASES OF NATURAL GAS AND LIQUID HYDROCARBONS 

Unstable gas condensate
Natural gas
Other liquid hydrocarbons

Total purchases of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

155,360
150,811
13,819

319,990

107,082
51,053
3,308

161,443

The  Group  purchases  not  less  than  50  percent  of  the  natural  gas  volumes  produced  by  its  joint  venture 
ZAO Nortgas, some volumes of natural gas produced by its joint venture AO Arcticgas, all volumes of natural gas 
produced  by  its  joint  venture  ZAO Terneftegas  and,  commencing  December  2017,  some  volumes  of  liquefied 
natural gas produced by its joint venture OAO Yamal LNG (see Note 30).

The Group purchases all volumes of unstable gas condensate produced by its joint ventures Nortgas, Arcticgas and 
Terneftegas at ex-field prices based on benchmark reference crude oil prices, as well as some volumes of stable gas 
condensate produced by its joint venture OAO Yamal LNG (see Note 30).

45

 
 
PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

18

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

21

TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES

The Group declares and pays dividends in Russian roubles. Dividends declared in 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

Final for 2017: RR 8.00 per share or RR 80.00 per GDR declared in April 2018

Interim for 2018: RR 9.25 per share or RR 92.50 per GDR declared in September 2018

Total dividends declared in 2018

Final for 2016: RR 7.00 per share or RR 70.00 per GDR declared in April 2017

Interim for 2017: RR 6.95 per share or RR 69.50 per GDR declared in September 2017

Total dividends declared in 2017

Distributable  retained  earnings. The basis for distribution  of profits of a company to shareholders is defined by 

Russian  legislation  as  net  profit  presented  in  its  statutory  financial  statements  prepared  in  accordance  with  the 

Regulations on Accounting and Reporting of the Russian Federation, which may differ significantly from amounts 

calculated  on  the  basis  of  IFRS.  At 31 December  2018  and  2017,  NOVATEK’s  closing  balances  of  the 

accumulated profit including the respective year’s net statutory profit totaled RR 551,913 million and RR 445,104 

million, respectively.

19

OIL AND GAS SALES

Other gas and gas condensate refined products

Natural gas

Naphtha

Crude oil

Liquefied petroleum gas

Stable gas condensate

Total oil and gas sales

24,291

28,086

52,377

21,254

21,102

42,356

247,663

111,979

77,102

69,066

40,016

33,993

579,819

107,082

51,053

3,308

161,443

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

375,198

149,770

106,257

89,686

56,243

48,607

825,761

155,360

150,811

13,819

319,990

20

PURCHASES OF NATURAL GAS AND LIQUID HYDROCARBONS 

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

Unstable gas condensate

Natural gas

Other liquid hydrocarbons

Total purchases of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons

The  Group  purchases  not  less  than  50  percent  of  the  natural  gas  volumes  produced  by  its  joint  venture 

ZAO Nortgas, some volumes of natural gas produced by its joint venture AO Arcticgas, all volumes of natural gas 

produced  by  its  joint  venture  ZAO Terneftegas  and,  commencing  December  2017,  some  volumes  of  liquefied 

natural gas produced by its joint venture OAO Yamal LNG (see Note 30).

The Group purchases all volumes of unstable gas condensate produced by its joint ventures Nortgas, Arcticgas and 

Terneftegas at ex-field prices based on benchmark reference crude oil prices, as well as some volumes of stable gas 

condensate produced by its joint venture OAO Yamal LNG (see Note 30).

Natural gas transportation by trunk and low-pressure pipelines
Stable gas condensate and liquefied petroleum gas transportation by rail
Stable gas condensate and refined products, 

crude oil and liquefied natural gas transportation by tankers

Crude oil transportation by trunk pipelines
Other

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

96,146
30,643

10,145
8,557
173

93,686
29,832

5,980
7,622
72

Total transportation expenses

145,664

137,192

22

TAXES OTHER THAN INCOME TAX

The Group is subject to a number of taxes other than income tax, which are detailed as follows:

Unified natural resources production tax 
Property tax
Other taxes

Total taxes other than income tax

23

MATERIALS, SERVICES AND OTHER

Employee compensation
Repair and maintenance
Complex of services for preparation, 

transportation and processing of hydrocarbons

Materials and supplies
Electricity and fuel
Liquefied petroleum gas volumes reservation expenses
Fire safety and security expenses
Transportation services
Rent expenses
Insurance expenses
Other

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

54,644
3,595
529

58,768

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

9,815
2,948

2,009
1,963
1,311
1,155
976
822
416
340
920

45,459
3,673
362

49,494

9,032
2,853

1,914
1,966
1,221
918
749
727
308
307
773

Total materials, services and other

22,675

20,768

45

46

 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

24

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Employee compensation
Social expenses and compensatory payments
Legal, audit, and consulting services
Business travel expense
Fire safety and security expenses
Advertising expenses
Repair and maintenance expenses
Rent expenses
Other

Total general and administrative expenses

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

15,807
2,484
1,122
621
471
465
229
176
907

22,282

11,065
2,735
839
560
419
410
231
90
821

17,170

Auditor’s  fees. AO  PricewaterhouseCoopers  Audit  has  served  as  the  independent  external  auditor  of  PAO 
NOVATEK for each of the reported financial years. The independent external auditor is subject to appointment at 
the  Annual  General  Meeting  of  shareholders  based  on  the  recommendations  from  the  Board  of  Directors.  The 
aggregate fees for audit and other services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit to the parent company of the 
Group included within legal, audit, and consulting services are as follows:

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

34
8

42

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

8,615
87

8,702

(5,032)

3,670

602
474

4,746

34
9

43

8,234
2,001

10,235

(3,391)

6,844

749
119

7,712

Audits of PAO NOVATEK 

(audit of the Group’s consolidated financial statements and
audit of statutory financial statements of PAO NOVATEK)

Other services

Total auditor’s fees and services

25

FINANCE INCOME (EXPENSE)

Interest expense (including transaction costs)

Interest expense on fixed rate debt
Interest expense on variable rate debt

Subtotal

Less: capitalized interest

Interest expense on debt

Provisions for asset retirement obligations: 

effect of the present value discount unwinding

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Total interest expense

47

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

24

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

25

FINANCE INCOME (EXPENSE) (CONTINUED)

Total general and administrative expenses

22,282

17,170

Auditor’s  fees. AO  PricewaterhouseCoopers  Audit  has  served  as  the  independent  external  auditor  of  PAO 

NOVATEK for each of the reported financial years. The independent external auditor is subject to appointment at 

the  Annual  General  Meeting  of  shareholders  based  on  the  recommendations  from  the  Board  of  Directors.  The 

aggregate fees for audit and other services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit to the parent company of the 

Group included within legal, audit, and consulting services are as follows:

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

Employee compensation

Social expenses and compensatory payments

Legal, audit, and consulting services

Business travel expense

Fire safety and security expenses

Advertising expenses

Repair and maintenance expenses

Rent expenses

Other

Audits of PAO NOVATEK 

(audit of the Group’s consolidated financial statements and

audit of statutory financial statements of PAO NOVATEK)

Other services

Total auditor’s fees and services

25

FINANCE INCOME (EXPENSE)

Interest expense (including transaction costs)

Interest expense on fixed rate debt

Interest expense on variable rate debt

Subtotal

Less: capitalized interest

Interest expense on debt

Provisions for asset retirement obligations: 

effect of the present value discount unwinding

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Total interest expense

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

15,807

2,484

1,122

621

471

465

229

176

907

34

8

42

8,615

87

8,702

(5,032)

3,670

602

474

4,746

11,065

2,735

839

560

419

410

231

90

821

34

9

43

8,234

2,001

10,235

(3,391)

6,844

749

119

7,712

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

Interest income

Interest income on loans receivable classified 

as at amortised cost

Interest income on loans receivable classified 

as at fair value through profit or loss

Interest income on cash, cash equivalents and deposits 

Total interest income

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

Gains
Losses 

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

653

11,940
1,410

14,003

641

13,106
2,125

15,872

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

70,704
(44,845)

48,322
(34,646)

Total foreign exchange gain (loss), net

25,859

13,676

26

INCOME TAX

Reconciliation  of  income  tax. The table below reconciles actual income  tax expense and theoretical income tax, 
determined based on the applicable rates for each of the Group’s entities and their accounting profit before income 
tax.

Profit before income tax 

Theoretical income tax expense at applicable rates of the Group’s entities

Increase (decrease) due to:

Non-deductible differences in respect 

of the Group’s share of loss (profit) of joint ventures 

Non-deductible differences in respect of 

net gain on disposal of interests in joint ventures

Other differences

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

228,534

38,878

200,839

38,056

6,977

(329)
61

(4,592)

-
905

Total income tax expense

45,587

34,369

47

48

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

26

INCOME TAX (CONTINUED)

Domestic and foreign components of current income tax expense were:

Russian Federation income tax 
Foreign income tax

Total current income tax expense

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

42,968
1,575

44,543

34,811
416

35,227

Effective income tax rate. The Russian statutory income tax rate for 2018 and 2017 was 20 percent. A number of 
the  Group’s  investment  projects  were  included  by  the  government  authorities  in  the  list  of  priority  projects,  in 
respect of them the Group was able to apply a reduced income tax rate. Profits of the Group’s foreign subsidiaries 
are taxed at rates applicable in accordance with legislation of the respective jurisdiction.

The Group recognizes in profit before income tax its share of net profit (loss) from joint ventures, which influences 
the consolidated profit of the Group but does not result in additional income tax expense (benefit) at the Group’s 
level.  Net  profit  (loss)  of  joint  ventures  was  recorded  in  their  financial  statements  on  an  after-tax  basis.  The 
dividend income received from the joint ventures in which the Group holds at least a 50 percent interest is subject 
to a zero withholding tax rate according to the Russian tax legislation.

Without the effect of net profit (loss) and dividends from joint ventures the effective income tax rate for the years
ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 was 17.3 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively.

In respect of PAO NOVATEK and the majority of its Russian subsidiaries, the Group submits a single consolidated 
income tax return in accordance with Russian tax legislation (see Note 3).

Deferred  income  tax. Differences  between  IFRS  and  Russian  statutory  tax  regulations  give  rise  to  certain 
temporary differences between the carrying  value of  certain assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes 
and for income tax purposes.

Deferred income tax balances are presented in the consolidated statement of financial position as follows:

Long-term deferred income tax asset (other non-current assets)
Long-term deferred income tax liability

Net deferred income tax liability 

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

6,486
(29,927)

6,898
(26,167)

(23,441)

(19,269)

Deferred income tax assets expected to be realized within twelve months as of 31 December 2018 and 2017 were 
RR 3,768 million and RR 3,902 million, respectively. Deferred tax liabilities expected to be reversed within twelve 
months of 31 December 2018 and 2017 were RR 1,113 million and RR 936 million, respectively.

49

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

26

INCOME TAX (CONTINUED)

26

INCOME TAX (CONTINUED)

Domestic and foreign components of current income tax expense were:

Movements in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 are as 
follows:

Russian Federation income tax 

Foreign income tax

Total current income tax expense

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

42,968

1,575

44,543

34,811

416

35,227

Effective income tax rate. The Russian statutory income tax rate for 2018 and 2017 was 20 percent. A number of 

the  Group’s  investment  projects  were  included  by  the  government  authorities  in  the  list  of  priority  projects,  in 

respect of them the Group was able to apply a reduced income tax rate. Profits of the Group’s foreign subsidiaries 

are taxed at rates applicable in accordance with legislation of the respective jurisdiction.

The Group recognizes in profit before income tax its share of net profit (loss) from joint ventures, which influences 

the consolidated profit of the Group but does not result in additional income tax expense (benefit) at the Group’s 

level.  Net  profit  (loss)  of  joint  ventures  was  recorded  in  their  financial  statements  on  an  after-tax  basis.  The 

dividend income received from the joint ventures in which the Group holds at least a 50 percent interest is subject 

to a zero withholding tax rate according to the Russian tax legislation.

Without the effect of net profit (loss) and dividends from joint ventures the effective income tax rate for the years

ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 was 17.3 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively.

In respect of PAO NOVATEK and the majority of its Russian subsidiaries, the Group submits a single consolidated 

income tax return in accordance with Russian tax legislation (see Note 3).

Deferred  income  tax. Differences  between  IFRS  and  Russian  statutory  tax  regulations  give  rise  to  certain 

temporary differences between the carrying  value of  certain assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes 

and for income tax purposes.

Deferred income tax balances are presented in the consolidated statement of financial position as follows:

Long-term deferred income tax asset (other non-current assets)

Long-term deferred income tax liability

Net deferred income tax liability 

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

6,486

(29,927)

6,898

(26,167)

(23,441)

(19,269)

Deferred income tax assets expected to be realized within twelve months as of 31 December 2018 and 2017 were 

RR 3,768 million and RR 3,902 million, respectively. Deferred tax liabilities expected to be reversed within twelve 

months of 31 December 2018 and 2017 were RR 1,113 million and RR 936 million, respectively.

At 31 December
2017

Statement of
Income effect

Statement of 
Comprehensive 
Income effect

Acquisition of 
subsidiaries

Reclassification 
to assets and 
liabilities 
held for sale

At 31 December
2018

Property, plant 

and equipment
Intangible assets
Inventories
Other

Deferred income tax 

liabilities

Less: deferred tax
assets offset

Total deferred income 

tax liabilities

Tax losses carried forward
Property, plant 

and equipment

Inventories
Asset retirement 
obligations
Trade payables 

and accrued liabilities

Loans receivable
Other

Deferred income tax 

assets

Less: deferred tax 
liabilities offset

Total deferred 

income tax assets

Net deferred 

(31,983)
(346)
(297)
(639)

(2,550)
(24)
(32)
(149)

(33,265)

(2,755)

7,098

669

(26,167)

(2,086)

3,607

3,102
2,438

1,389

1,237
1,996
227

2,253

754
(648)

351

(2)
(987)
(10)

13,996

1,711

(7,098)

(669)

6,898

1,042

income tax liabilities

(19,269)

(1,044)

(2)
-
-
22

20

-

20

-

-
(2)

-

9
-
7

14

-

14

34

(5,210)
-
(3)
-

2,850
-
-
(15)

(36,895)
(370)
(332)
(781)

(5,213)

2,835

(38,378)

684

-

8,451

(4,529)

2,835

(29,927)

23

27
516

110

-
-
6

(940)

(374)
-

(142)

(10)
-
-

4,943

3,509
2,304

1,708

1,234
1,009
230

682

(1,466)

14,937

(684)

-

(8,451)

(2)

(1,466)

6,486

(4,531)

1,369

(23,441)

49

50

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

26

INCOME TAX (CONTINUED)

At 31 December
2016

Statement of
Income effect

Statement of 
Comprehensive 
Income effect

Acquisition of 
subsidiaries

At 31 December
2017

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Inventories
Other

(28,747)
(313)
(250)
(451)

(1,614)
62
(23)
(212)

Deferred income tax liabilities

(29,761)

(1,787)

Less: deferred tax assets offset

Total deferred income tax liabilities

5,105

(24,656)

Tax losses carried forward
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Loans receivable
Asset retirement obligations
Trade payables and accrued liabilities
Other

Deferred income tax assets

2,542
1,068
2,153
1,346
1,464
913
290

9,776

1,110

(677)

504
1,085
279
650
(122)
318
(69)

2,645

Less: deferred tax liabilities offset

(5,105)

(1,110)

Total deferred income tax assets

Net deferred income tax liabilities

4,671

(19,985)

1,535

858

15
2
(17)
24

24

-

24

12
-
6
-
(5)
6
(7)

12

-

12

36

(1,637)
(97)
(7)
-

(31,983)
(346)
(297)
(639)

(1,741)

(33,265)

883

(858)

7,098

(26,167)

549
949
-
-
52
-
13

3,607
3,102
2,438
1,996
1,389
1,237
227

1,563

13,996

(883)

680

(178)

(7,098)

6,898

(19,269)

At  31  December  2018,  the  Group  had  recognized  deferred  income  tax  assets  of  RR  4,943 million  (31 December 
2017:  RR  3,607 million)  in  respect  of  unused  tax  loss  carry  forwards  of  RR  25,029 million  (31 December  2017: 
RR 18,373 million).  In  accordance  with  tax  legislation  of  Russian  Federation  effective  1 January  2017,  taxable 
profits can be reduced in the amount of tax losses carried forward for relief during unlimited period of time, at the 
same time in 2017 to 2020 tax losses carried forward cannot exceed 50 percent of taxable profits. In determining 
future taxable profits and the amount of tax benefits that are probable in the future, the Group’s management makes 
judgments including expectations regarding the Group’s ability to generate sufficient future taxable income and the 
projected time period over which deferred tax benefits will be realized. 

51

 
PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

26

INCOME TAX (CONTINUED)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS

At 31 December

Statement of

Comprehensive 

Acquisition of 

At 31 December

2016

Income effect

Income effect

subsidiaries

2017

Statement of 

The accounting policies and disclosure requirements for financial instruments have been applied to the line items 
below:

Deferred income tax liabilities

(29,761)

(1,787)

(1,741)

(33,265)

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Inventories

Other

Less: deferred tax assets offset

Total deferred income tax liabilities

Tax losses carried forward

Property, plant and equipment

Inventories

Loans receivable

Asset retirement obligations

Trade payables and accrued liabilities

Other

Deferred income tax assets

(28,747)

(313)

(250)

(451)

5,105

(24,656)

2,542

1,068

2,153

1,346

1,464

913

290

9,776

(1,614)

62

(23)

(212)

1,110

(677)

504

1,085

279

650

(122)

318

(69)

2,645

1,535

858

15

2

(17)

24

24

-

24

12

-

6

-

6

(5)

(7)

12

-

12

36

(1,637)

(31,983)

(97)

(7)

-

(346)

(297)

(639)

883

(858)

7,098

(26,167)

549

949

-

-

-

52

13

3,607

3,102

2,438

1,996

1,389

1,237

227

1,563

13,996

(883)

680

(178)

(7,098)

6,898

(19,269)

Less: deferred tax liabilities offset

(5,105)

(1,110)

Total deferred income tax assets

Net deferred income tax liabilities

4,671

(19,985)

At  31  December  2018,  the  Group  had  recognized  deferred  income  tax  assets  of  RR  4,943 million  (31 December 

2017:  RR  3,607 million)  in  respect  of  unused  tax  loss  carry  forwards  of  RR  25,029 million  (31 December  2017: 

RR 18,373 million).  In  accordance  with  tax  legislation  of  Russian  Federation  effective  1 January  2017,  taxable 

profits can be reduced in the amount of tax losses carried forward for relief during unlimited period of time, at the 

same time in 2017 to 2020 tax losses carried forward cannot exceed 50 percent of taxable profits. In determining 

future taxable profits and the amount of tax benefits that are probable in the future, the Group’s management makes 

judgments including expectations regarding the Group’s ability to generate sufficient future taxable income and the 

projected time period over which deferred tax benefits will be realized. 

Financial assets

At amortised cost

Long-term loans receivable
Trade and other receivables
Short-term bank deposits 

with original maturity more than three months

Cash and cash equivalents
Other

At fair value through profit or loss
Long-term loans receivable
Commodity derivatives

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Non-current

Current

Non-current

Current

9,556
407

-
-
7

-
54,433

27,788
41,472
-

5,313
429

-

-
10

-
44,503

-
65,943
-

222,959
2,397

40,386
9,313

206,159
1,705

891
2,117

Total financial assets

235,326

173,392

213,616

113,454

Financial liabilities

At amortised cost

Long-term debt
Long-term lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Dividends payable to non-controlling interest

170,043
7,473
-
-

2,120
2,325
55,782
-

141,448
5,776
-
-

14,302
1,520
32,932
1,633

At fair value through profit or loss

Commodity derivatives

2,403

8,492

649

3,333

Total financial liabilities

179,919

68,719

147,873

53,720

Fair  value  measurement. The  Group  evaluates  the  quality  and  reliability  of  the  assumptions  and  data  used  to 
measure fair value in accordance with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, in the three hierarchy levels as follows:

i.
ii.

iii.

quoted prices in active markets (Level 1); 
inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable in the market 
(externally verifiable inputs) (Level 2);
inputs that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

Commodity derivative instruments. The Group conducts natural gas foreign trading in active markets under long-
and  short-term  purchase  and  sales  contracts,  as  well  as  purchases  and  sells  various  derivative  instruments  (with 
reference  to  the  European  natural  gas  hubs)  for  delivery  optimization  and  to  decrease  exposure  to  the  risk  of 
negative changes in natural gas prices.

These  contracts  include  pricing  terms  that  are  based  on  a  variety  of  commodities  and  indices,  and/or  volume 
flexibility  options  that  collectively  qualify  them  under  the  scope  of  IFRS  9,  Financial  instruments,  although  the 
activity surrounding certain contracts involves the physical delivery of natural gas. All contracts mentioned above 
are  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  at  fair  value  with  movements  in  fair  value 
recognized in the consolidated statement of income.

51

52

 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

The  fair  value  of  long-term  natural  gas  derivative  contracts  involving  the  physical  delivery  of  natural  gas  is 
determined using internal models and other valuation techniques (the mark-to-market and mark-to-model analysis)
due to the absence of quoted prices or other observable, market-corroborated data, for the duration of the contracts. 
Due to the assumptions underlying their fair value, the natural gas derivatives contracts are categorized as Level 3 
in the fair value hierarchy, described above. 

The  fair  value  of  short-term  natural  gas  derivative  contracts  involving  the  physical  delivery  of  natural  gas  and 
likewise contracts used for the price risk management and delivery optimization is determined based on available 
futures quotes in the active market (mark-to-market analysis) (Level 1).

The  amounts  recognized  by  the  Group  in  respect  of  the  natural  gas  derivative  contracts  measured  in  accordance 
with IFRS 9, Financial instruments, are as follows: 

Commodity derivatives

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Within other non-current and current assets
Within other non-current and current liabilities

Included in other operating income (loss)

Operating income (loss) from natural gas foreign trading
Change in fair value 

11,710
(10,895)

3,822
(3,982)

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

(2,278)
(450)

289
(9)

The  table  below  represents  the  effect  on  the  fair  value  estimation  of  natural  gas  derivative  contracts  that  would 
occur from price changes by ten percent by one megawatt-hour in 12 months after the reporting date:

Effect on the fair value

Increase by ten percent
Decrease by ten percent

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

(2,021)
2,021

(1,572)
1,572

Recognition  and  remeasurement  of  the  shareholders’  loans  to  joint  ventures. Terms  and  conditions  of  certain 
shareholders’ loans provided by  the  Group to its joint  ventures  OAO  Yamal  LNG and  ZAO  Terneftegas contain 
certain financial (benchmark interest rates adjusted for the borrower credit risk) and non-financial (actual interest
rates  on  the  borrowings  of  shareholders,  expected  free  cash  flows  of  the  borrower  and  expected  maturities) 
variables  and  in  accordance  with  the  Group’s  accounting  policy  were  classified  as  financial  assets  at  fair  value 
through profit or loss.

53

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

The  fair  value  of  long-term  natural  gas  derivative  contracts  involving  the  physical  delivery  of  natural  gas  is 

determined using internal models and other valuation techniques (the mark-to-market and mark-to-model analysis)

due to the absence of quoted prices or other observable, market-corroborated data, for the duration of the contracts. 

Due to the assumptions underlying their fair value, the natural gas derivatives contracts are categorized as Level 3 

in the fair value hierarchy, described above. 

The  fair  value  of  short-term  natural  gas  derivative  contracts  involving  the  physical  delivery  of  natural  gas  and 

likewise contracts used for the price risk management and delivery optimization is determined based on available 

futures quotes in the active market (mark-to-market analysis) (Level 1).

The  amounts  recognized  by  the  Group  in  respect  of  the  natural  gas  derivative  contracts  measured  in  accordance 

with IFRS 9, Financial instruments, are as follows: 

Commodity derivatives

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Within other non-current and current assets

Within other non-current and current liabilities

Included in other operating income (loss)

Operating income (loss) from natural gas foreign trading

Change in fair value 

11,710

(10,895)

3,822

(3,982)

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

(2,278)

(450)

289

(9)

The  table  below  represents  the  effect  on  the  fair  value  estimation  of  natural  gas  derivative  contracts  that  would 

occur from price changes by ten percent by one megawatt-hour in 12 months after the reporting date:

Recognition  and  remeasurement  of  the  shareholders’  loans  to  joint  ventures. Terms  and  conditions  of  certain 

shareholders’ loans provided by  the  Group to its joint  ventures  OAO  Yamal  LNG and  ZAO  Terneftegas contain 

certain financial (benchmark interest rates adjusted for the borrower credit risk) and non-financial (actual interest

rates  on  the  borrowings  of  shareholders,  expected  free  cash  flows  of  the  borrower  and  expected  maturities) 

variables  and  in  accordance  with  the  Group’s  accounting  policy  were  classified  as  financial  assets  at  fair  value 

through profit or loss.

The  following  table  summarizes  the  movements  in  the  carrying  amounts  of  shareholders’  loans  provided  to 
Yamal LNG and Terneftegas, which are accounted for at fair value through profit or loss:

At 1 January

Repayment of the loans and accrued interest
Subsequent remeasurement at 

fair value recognized in profit (loss) as follows:
 Interest income (using the effective interest rate method)
 Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 Remaining effect from changes in fair value 

(attributable to free cash flows of the borrowers and interest rates)

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

207,051

(1,673)

11,940
42,535

3,492

198,454

(910)

13,106
3,579

(7,178)

At 31 December

263,345

207,051

Fair value measurement of shareholders’ loans to joint ventures is determined using benchmark interest rates
adjusted for the borrower credit risk and internal free cash flows models based on the borrower’s strategic plans
approved by the shareholders of the joint ventures. Due  to  the  assumptions  underlying  fair  value  estimation, 
shareholders’ loans are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, described above.

The  fair  value  of  the  shareholders’  loans  is  sensitive  to  benchmark  interest  rates  changes.  The  table  below 
represents  the  effect  on  fair  value  of  the  shareholders’  loans  that  would  occur  from  one  percent  changes  in  the 
benchmark interest rates.

Effect on the fair value

Increase by ten percent

Decrease by ten percent

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

(2,021)

2,021

(1,572)

1,572

Effect on the fair value

Increase by one percent
Decrease by one percent

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

(10,036)
10,650

(11,560)
12,536

Financial  risk management objectives and policies. In the ordinary course of business, the Group is exposed to 
market  risks  from  fluctuating  prices  on  commodities  purchased  and  sold, prices  of  other  raw  materials,  currency 
exchange  rates  and  interest  rates.  Depending  on  the  degree  of  price  volatility,  such  fluctuations  in  market  prices 
may  create  volatility  in  the  Group’s  financial  results.  To  effectively  manage  the  variety  of  exposures  that  may 
impact financial results, the Group’s overriding strategy is to maintain a strong financial position.

The  Group’s  principal  risk  management  policies  are  established  to  identify  and  analyze  the  risks  faced  by  the 
Group,  to  set  appropriate  risk  limits  and  controls,  and  to  monitor  risks  and  adherence  to  these  limits.  Risk 
management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group’s 
activities.

Market  risk. Market risk  is the risk that changes in  market prices,  such as  foreign exchange rates,  interest rates, 
commodity prices and equity prices, will affect the Group’s financial results or the value of its holdings of financial 
instruments. The primary objective of mitigating these market risks is to manage and control market risk exposures, 
while optimizing the return on risk.

The  Group is exposed to market price  movements relating to changes in commodity prices such as crude oil, oil 
and  gas  condensate  refined  products  and  natural  gas  (commodity  price  risk),  foreign  currency  exchange  rates, 
interest rates, equity prices and other indices that could adversely affect the value of the Group’s financial assets, 
liabilities or expected future cash flows.

53

54

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

(a) Foreign exchange risk

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various exposures in the normal course of business, 
primarily with respect to the US dollar and Euro. Foreign exchange risk arises primarily  from future commercial 
transactions, recognized assets and liabilities when assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency other than 
the functional currency.

The Group’s overall strategy is to have no significant net exposure in currencies other than the Russian rouble, the 
US dollar and Euro. The Group may utilize foreign currency derivative instruments to manage the risk exposures 
associated  with  fluctuations  on  certain  firm  commitments  for  sales  and  purchases,  debt  instruments  and  other 
transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the Russian rouble, and certain non-Russian rouble assets 
and liabilities.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial instruments are denominated in the following currencies:

At 31 December 2018

Financial assets

Non-current

Long-term loans receivable
Trade and other receivables
Commodity derivatives
Other

Current

Trade and other receivables
Current portion

of long-term loans receivable

Commodity derivatives
Short-term bank deposits with original 

maturity more than three months

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Non-current

Long-term debt
Long-term lease liabilities
Commodity derivatives

Current

Short-term debt 

Russian 
rouble

US dollar

Euro

Other

Total

6,012
342
-
-

107,713
2
-
-

118,790
-
2,397
-

-
63
-
7

232,515
407
2,397
7

21,379

13,577

18,393

1,084

54,433

-
-

-
6,804

20,694
-

27,788
11,194

19,692
9,313

-
22,588

-
-

-
886

40,386
9,313

27,788
41,472

(1,007)
(337)
-

(161,090)
(7,043)
-

(7,946)
(1)
(2,403)

-
(92)
-

(170,043)
(7,473)
(2,403)

and current portion of long-term debt

-

(2,120)

-

-

(2,120)

Current portion 

of long-term lease liabilities

Trade and other payables
Commodity derivatives

(20)
(35,341)
-

(2,222)
(4,489)
-

(2)
(15,709)
(8,492)

(81)
(243)
-

(2,325)
(55,782)
(8,492)

Net exposure

(2,168)

4,004

156,620

1,624

160,080

55

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

At 31 December 2017

Financial assets

Non-current

Long-term loans receivable
Trade and other receivables
Commodity derivatives
Other

Current

Trade and other receivables
Current portion

of long-term loans receivable

Commodity derivatives
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Non-current

Long-term debt
Long-term lease liabilities
Commodity derivatives

Current

Short-term debt 

Russian 
rouble

US dollar

Euro

Other

Total

5,313
425
-
-

96,686
4
-
-

109,473
-
1,705
-

-
-
-
10

211,472
429
1,705
10

21,822

16,360

3,730

2,591

44,503

-
-
16,392

891
-
36,449

-
2,117
12,745

-
-
357

891
2,117
65,943

-
(340)
-

(134,561)
(5,360)
-

(6,887)
(3)
(649)

-
(73)
-

(141,448)
(5,776)
(649)

and current portion of long-term debt

(1,022)

(13,280)

-

-

(14,302)

Current portion 

of long-term lease liabilities

Trade and other payables
Dividends payable 

to non-controlling interest

Commodity derivatives

(116)
(25,651)

(1,633)
-

(1,349)
(3,563)

-
-

(2)
(3,505)

-
(3,333)

(53)
(213)

(1,520)
(32,932)

-
-

(1,633)
(3,333)

Net exposure

15,190

(7,723)

115,391

2,619

125,477

The Group chooses to provide information about market risk and potential exposure to hypothetical loss from its 
use of financial instruments through sensitivity analysis disclosures in accordance with IFRS requirements. 

The  sensitivity  analysis  depicted  in  the  table  below  reflects  the  hypothetical  loss  that  would  occur  assuming  a 
ten  percent  increase  in  exchange  rates  and  no  changes  in  the  portfolio  of  instruments  and  other  variables  at 
31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively:

Effect on  profit before income tax

Increase in exchange rate

2018

2017

Year ended 31 December:

RUB / USD
RUB / EUR

10%
10%

400
15,662

(772)
11,539

Net exposure

(2,168)

4,004

156,620

1,624

160,080

The effect of a corresponding ten percent decrease in exchange rate is approximately equal and opposite.

(b) Commodity price risk

The Group’s overall commercial trading strategy in natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons is centrally managed.
Changes in commodity prices could negatively or positively affect the Group’s results of operations. The Group
manages the exposure to commodity price risk by optimizing its core activities to achieve stable price margins.

56

(a) Foreign exchange risk

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various exposures in the normal course of business, 

primarily with respect to the US dollar and Euro. Foreign exchange risk arises primarily  from future commercial 

transactions, recognized assets and liabilities when assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency other than 

the functional currency.

The Group’s overall strategy is to have no significant net exposure in currencies other than the Russian rouble, the 

US dollar and Euro. The Group may utilize foreign currency derivative instruments to manage the risk exposures 

associated  with  fluctuations  on  certain  firm  commitments  for  sales  and  purchases,  debt  instruments  and  other 

transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the Russian rouble, and certain non-Russian rouble assets 

and liabilities.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial instruments are denominated in the following currencies:

At 31 December 2018

Financial assets

Non-current

Long-term loans receivable

Trade and other receivables

Commodity derivatives

Other

Current

Trade and other receivables

Current portion

of long-term loans receivable

Commodity derivatives

Short-term bank deposits with original 

maturity more than three months

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Non-current

Long-term debt

Long-term lease liabilities

Commodity derivatives

Current

Short-term debt 

US dollar

Euro

Other

Total

21,379

13,577

18,393

1,084

54,433

107,713

118,790

20,694

-

27,788

11,194

2

-

-

-

-

2,397

19,692

9,313

-

-

-

(7,946)

(1)

(2,403)

-

(2)

(15,709)

(8,492)

-

63

-

7

232,515

407

2,397

7

40,386

9,313

27,788

41,472

(92)

(170,043)

(7,473)

(2,403)

(81)

(243)

(2,120)

(2,325)

(55,782)

(8,492)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,804

22,588

886

(1,007)

(337)

(161,090)

(7,043)

and current portion of long-term debt

Current portion 

of long-term lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Commodity derivatives

(2,120)

(2,222)

(4,489)

(20)

(35,341)

Russian 

rouble

6,012

342

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

55

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

Natural gas supplies on the Russian domestic market. As an independent natural gas producer, the Group is not
subject to the government’s regulation of natural gas prices, except for those volumes sold to residential customers.
Nevertheless, the Group’s prices for natural gas sold are strongly influenced by the prices regulated by the
governmental agency of the Russian Federation that carries out state regulation of prices and tariffs for goods and
services of natural monopolies in energy, utilities and transportation.

There were no changes in regulated wholesale natural gas prices on the domestic market (excluding residential
customers) in the first half of 2017. From 1 July 2017, regulated wholesale natural gas prices were increased by
3.9 percent, and from 21 August 2018 by 3.4 percent.

Management believes it has limited downside commodity price risk for natural gas in the Russian Federation and
does not use commodity derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Group’s natural gas purchase and sales
contracts in the domestic market are not considered to meet the definition of a derivative and are not within the
scope of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments. However, to effectively manage the margins achieved through its natural
gas trading activities, management has established targets for volumes sold to wholesale traders and end-customers.

LNG supplies on international markets. The Group sells liquefied natural gas purchased primarily from its joint
venture Yamal LNG on international markets under short- and long-term contracts at prices based on benchmark
natural gas prices at the major natural gas hubs and benchmark crude oil prices. The Group’s LNG purchase and
sales contracts are not considered to meet the definition of a derivative and are not within the scope of IFRS 9,
Financial Instruments.

LNG regasification activity in Europe. The Group purchases and sells regasified LNG in Europe primarily at
prices linked to natural gas prices at major European natural gas hubs. Regasified LNG purchase and sales
contracts are not considered to meet the definition of a derivative and are not within the scope of IFRS 9, Financial
Instruments.

Natural gas trading activities on the European and other foreign markets. The Group purchases and sells natural
gas on the European and other foreign markets under short- and long-term supply contracts, as well as purchases
and sells different derivative instruments based on formulas with reference to benchmark natural gas prices quoted
for the North-Western European natural gas hubs, crude oil and oil products prices and/or a combination thereof.
Therefore, the Group’s results from natural gas foreign trading and derivative instruments foreign trading are
subject to commodity price volatility based on fluctuations or changes in the respective benchmark prices.

Natural gas
foreign trading activities and respective foreign derivative instruments are executed by
Novatek Gas & Power GmbH, the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, and are managed within the Group’s
integrated trading function.

Liquid hydrocarbons supplies. The Group sells its crude oil, stable gas condensate and gas condensate refined
products under spot contracts. Naphtha and stable gas condensate volumes sold to the Asian-Pacific Region,
European and North American markets are primarily based on benchmark crude oil prices of Brent IPE and Dubai
and/or naphtha prices, mainly of Naphtha Japan and Naphtha CIF NWE or a combination thereof, plus a margin or
discount, depending on current market situation. Other gas condensate refined products volumes sold mainly to the
European market are based on benchmark jet fuel prices of Jet CIF NWE and gasoil prices of Gasoil 0.1 percent
CIF NWE plus a margin or discount, depending on current market situation. Crude oil sold internationally is based
on benchmark crude oil prices of Brent dated, or Dubai, plus a premium or a discount, and on a transaction-by-
transaction basis or based on benchmark crude oil prices of Brent and Urals or a combination thereof for volumes
sold domestically.

As a result, the Group’s revenues from the sales of liquid hydrocarbons are subject to fluctuations in the crude oil
and gas condensate refined products benchmark prices. The Group’s liquid hydrocarbons purchase and sales
contracts are entered to meet supply requirements to fulfil contract obligations or for own consumption and are not
within the scope of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments.

57

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

Natural gas supplies on the Russian domestic market. As an independent natural gas producer, the Group is not

subject to the government’s regulation of natural gas prices, except for those volumes sold to residential customers.

Nevertheless, the Group’s prices for natural gas sold are strongly influenced by the prices regulated by the

governmental agency of the Russian Federation that carries out state regulation of prices and tariffs for goods and

services of natural monopolies in energy, utilities and transportation.

There were no changes in regulated wholesale natural gas prices on the domestic market (excluding residential

customers) in the first half of 2017. From 1 July 2017, regulated wholesale natural gas prices were increased by

3.9 percent, and from 21 August 2018 by 3.4 percent.

Management believes it has limited downside commodity price risk for natural gas in the Russian Federation and

does not use commodity derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Group’s natural gas purchase and sales

contracts in the domestic market are not considered to meet the definition of a derivative and are not within the

scope of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments. However, to effectively manage the margins achieved through its natural

gas trading activities, management has established targets for volumes sold to wholesale traders and end-customers.

LNG supplies on international markets. The Group sells liquefied natural gas purchased primarily from its joint

venture Yamal LNG on international markets under short- and long-term contracts at prices based on benchmark

natural gas prices at the major natural gas hubs and benchmark crude oil prices. The Group’s LNG purchase and

sales contracts are not considered to meet the definition of a derivative and are not within the scope of IFRS 9,

Financial Instruments.

LNG regasification activity in Europe. The Group purchases and sells regasified LNG in Europe primarily at

prices linked to natural gas prices at major European natural gas hubs. Regasified LNG purchase and sales

contracts are not considered to meet the definition of a derivative and are not within the scope of IFRS 9, Financial

Instruments.

Natural gas trading activities on the European and other foreign markets. The Group purchases and sells natural

gas on the European and other foreign markets under short- and long-term supply contracts, as well as purchases

and sells different derivative instruments based on formulas with reference to benchmark natural gas prices quoted

for the North-Western European natural gas hubs, crude oil and oil products prices and/or a combination thereof.

Therefore, the Group’s results from natural gas foreign trading and derivative instruments foreign trading are

subject to commodity price volatility based on fluctuations or changes in the respective benchmark prices.

Natural gas

foreign trading activities and respective foreign derivative instruments are executed by

Novatek Gas & Power GmbH, the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, and are managed within the Group’s

integrated trading function.

Liquid hydrocarbons supplies. The Group sells its crude oil, stable gas condensate and gas condensate refined

products under spot contracts. Naphtha and stable gas condensate volumes sold to the Asian-Pacific Region,

European and North American markets are primarily based on benchmark crude oil prices of Brent IPE and Dubai

and/or naphtha prices, mainly of Naphtha Japan and Naphtha CIF NWE or a combination thereof, plus a margin or

discount, depending on current market situation. Other gas condensate refined products volumes sold mainly to the

European market are based on benchmark jet fuel prices of Jet CIF NWE and gasoil prices of Gasoil 0.1 percent

CIF NWE plus a margin or discount, depending on current market situation. Crude oil sold internationally is based

on benchmark crude oil prices of Brent dated, or Dubai, plus a premium or a discount, and on a transaction-by-

transaction basis or based on benchmark crude oil prices of Brent and Urals or a combination thereof for volumes

sold domestically.

As a result, the Group’s revenues from the sales of liquid hydrocarbons are subject to fluctuations in the crude oil

and gas condensate refined products benchmark prices. The Group’s liquid hydrocarbons purchase and sales

contracts are entered to meet supply requirements to fulfil contract obligations or for own consumption and are not

within the scope of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments.

(c)   Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk 

The Group is subject to interest rate risk on financial liabilities with variable interest rates. Changes in interest rates 
impact primarily debt by changing either their fair value (fixed rate debt) or their future cash flows (variable rate 
debt).  To  mitigate  this  risk,  the  Group’s  treasury  function  performs  periodic  analysis  of  the  current  interest  rate 
environment and depending on that analysis management makes decisions whether it would be more beneficial to 
obtain  financing  on  a  fixed-rate  or  variable-rate  basis.  In  cases  where  the  change  in  the  current  market  fixed  or 
variable  interest  rates  is  considered  significant  management  may  consider  refinancing  a  particular  debt  on  more 
favorable interest rate terms.

The interest rate profiles of the Group’s interest-bearing financial instruments were as follows:

At fixed rate
At variable rate

Total debt

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

RR million

Percent

RR million

Percent

172,163
-

172,163

100%
-

141,448
14,302

100%

155,750

91%
9%

100%

The  Group  centralizes  the  cash  requirements  and  surpluses  of  controlled  subsidiaries  and  the  majority  of  their 
external financing requirements, and applies, on its consolidated net debt position, a funding policy to optimize its 
financing  costs  and  manage  the  impact  of  interest  rate  changes  on  its  financial  results  in  line  with  market 
conditions. In this way, the Group is able to ensure that the balance between the floating rate portion of its debt and 
its cash surpluses has a low level of exposure to any change in interest rates over the short term. This policy makes 
it possible to significantly limit the Group's sensitivity to interest rate volatility.

The Group’s financial results are sensitive to changes in interest rates on the floating rate portion of the Group’s 
debt portfolio. If the interest rates applicable to floating rate debt were to increase by 100 basis points (one percent) 
at the reporting dates,  assuming all other variables remain  constant,  it is estimated that the Group’s profit before 
taxation would decrease by the amounts shown below:

Effect on profit before income tax

Increase by 100 basis points

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

-

143

The effect of a corresponding 100 basis points decrease in interest rate is approximately equal and opposite.

The Group is examining various ways to manage its cash flow interest rate risk by using a combination of floating 
and fixed interest rates. No swaps or other  similar instruments  were in place at 31 December 2018 and 2017, or 
during the years then ended.

Credit  risk.  Credit  risk  refers  to  the  risk  exposure  that  a  potential  financial  loss  to  the  Group  may  occur  if  a 
counterparty defaults on its contractual obligations.

Credit risk is managed on a Group level and arises from cash and cash equivalents, including short-term deposits 
with  banks,  as  well  as  credit  exposures  to  customers,  including  outstanding  trade  receivables  and  committed 
transactions. Cash and cash equivalents are deposited only with banks that are considered by the Group during the 
whole deposit period to have minimal risk of default.

The  Group’s trade and other receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse industries 
and geographical areas. The Group has developed standard credit payment terms and constantly monitors the status 
of trade and other receivables and the creditworthiness of the customers.

57

58

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

Most  of  the  Group’s  international  natural  gas  and  liquid hydrocarbons  sales  are  made  to  customers  with 
independent  external  ratings;  however,  if  the  customer  has  a  credit  rating  below  BBB-,  the  Group  requires  the 
collateral for the trade receivable to be in the form of letters of credit from banks with an investment grade rating. 
Most of domestic sales of liquid hydrocarbons are made on a 100 percent prepayment basis. 

As  a  result  of  the  domestic  regional  natural  gas  trading  activities,  the  Group  is  exposed  to  the  risk  of  payment 
defaults of small and  medium-sized industrial  users and individuals. To minimize  credit risk the Group  monitors 
the  recoverability  of  these  debtors  by  analyzing  ageing  of  receivables  by  type  of  customers  and  their  respective 
prior payment history.

The  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  is represented  by  the  carrying  amount  of  each  financial  asset  in  the 
consolidated statement of financial position.

The table below highlights the Group’s trade and other receivables to published credit ratings of its counterparties 
and/or their parent companies:

Moody’s, Fitch and/or Standard & Poor’s

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Investment grade rating
Non-investment grade rating
No external rating 

Total trade and other receivables

30,285
2,438
21,710

54,433

14,676
12,661
17,166

44,503

The table below highlights the Group’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits with original maturity 
more than three months to published credit ratings of its banks and/or their parent companies:

Moody’s, Fitch and/or Standard & Poor’s

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Investment grade rating
Non-investment grade rating
No external rating 

Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank 

deposits with original maturity more than three months

40,759
28,462
39

69,260

49,857
15,916
170

65,943

Investment grade ratings classification referred to as Aaa to Baa3 for Moody’s Investors Service, and as AAA to 
BBB- for Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s.

In addition, the Group provides long-term loans to its joint ventures for development, construction and acquisitions 
of oil and gas assets. Required amount of loans and their maturity schedules are based on the budgets and strategic 
plans approved by the shareholders of the joint ventures.

Liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall 
due. The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its 
liabilities  when  due,  under  both  normal  and  stressed  conditions,  without  incurring  unacceptable  losses  or  risking 
damage to the Group’s reputation. In managing its liquidity risk, the Group maintains adequate cash reserves and 
debt facilities, continuously monitors forecast and actual cash flows and matches the maturity profiles of financial 
assets and liabilities. 

The  Group  prepares  various  financial  plans  (monthly,  quarterly  and  annually)  which  ensures  that  the  Group  has 
sufficient cash on demand to meet expected operational expenses, financial obligations and investing activities for a 
period of 30 days or more. The Group has entered into a number of short-term credit facilities. Such credit lines and 
overdraft facilities can be drawn down to  meet short-term  financing needs. To fund  cash requirements of a more 
permanent nature, the Group will normally raise long-term debt in available international and domestic markets.

59

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

Most  of  the  Group’s  international  natural  gas  and  liquid hydrocarbons  sales  are  made  to  customers  with 

independent  external  ratings;  however,  if  the  customer  has  a  credit  rating  below  BBB-,  the  Group  requires  the 

collateral for the trade receivable to be in the form of letters of credit from banks with an investment grade rating. 

Most of domestic sales of liquid hydrocarbons are made on a 100 percent prepayment basis. 

As  a  result  of  the  domestic  regional  natural  gas  trading  activities,  the  Group  is  exposed  to  the  risk  of  payment 

defaults of small and  medium-sized industrial  users and individuals. To minimize  credit risk the Group  monitors 

the  recoverability  of  these  debtors  by  analyzing  ageing  of  receivables  by  type  of  customers  and  their  respective 

prior payment history.

The  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  is represented  by  the  carrying  amount  of  each  financial  asset  in  the 

consolidated statement of financial position.

The table below highlights the Group’s trade and other receivables to published credit ratings of its counterparties 

and/or their parent companies:

Moody’s, Fitch and/or Standard & Poor’s

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Investment grade rating

Non-investment grade rating

No external rating 

Total trade and other receivables

30,285

2,438

21,710

54,433

40,759

28,462

39

69,260

14,676

12,661

17,166

44,503

49,857

15,916

170

65,943

The table below highlights the Group’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits with original maturity 

more than three months to published credit ratings of its banks and/or their parent companies:

Moody’s, Fitch and/or Standard & Poor’s

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Investment grade rating

Non-investment grade rating

No external rating 

Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank 

deposits with original maturity more than three months

Investment grade ratings classification referred to as Aaa to Baa3 for Moody’s Investors Service, and as AAA to 

BBB- for Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s.

In addition, the Group provides long-term loans to its joint ventures for development, construction and acquisitions 

of oil and gas assets. Required amount of loans and their maturity schedules are based on the budgets and strategic 

plans approved by the shareholders of the joint ventures.

Liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall 

due. The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its 

liabilities  when  due,  under  both  normal  and  stressed  conditions,  without  incurring  unacceptable  losses  or  risking 

damage to the Group’s reputation. In managing its liquidity risk, the Group maintains adequate cash reserves and 

debt facilities, continuously monitors forecast and actual cash flows and matches the maturity profiles of financial 

assets and liabilities. 

The  Group  prepares  various  financial  plans  (monthly,  quarterly  and  annually)  which  ensures  that  the  Group  has 

sufficient cash on demand to meet expected operational expenses, financial obligations and investing activities for a 

period of 30 days or more. The Group has entered into a number of short-term credit facilities. Such credit lines and 

overdraft facilities can be drawn down to  meet short-term  financing needs. To fund  cash requirements of a  more 

permanent nature, the Group will normally raise long-term debt in available international and domestic markets.

The  following  tables  summarize  the  maturity  profile of  the  Group’s  financial  liabilities,  except  of  natural  gas 
derivative contracts, based on contractual undiscounted payments, including interest payments:

At 31 December 2018

Debt at fixed rate

Principal
Interest

Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables

Less than 
1 year

Between 
1 and 2 years

Between 
2 and 5 years

More than 
5 years

2,416
8,775
2,408
55,782

13,786
8,494
2,396
-

129,124
13,371
6,294
-

33,831
5,739
-
-

Total

179,157
36,379
11,098
55,782

Total financial liabilities

69,381

24,676

148,789

39,570

282,416

At 31 December 2017

Debt at fixed rate

Principal
Interest

Debt at variable rate

Principal
Interest

Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Dividends payable to 

non-controlling interest

-
7,272

14,314
168
1,606
32,932

1,633

8,890
7,272

-
-
1,494
-

-

107,061
16,655

32,055
6,163

148,006
37,362

-
-
4,393
-

-

-
-
937
-

-

14,314
168
8,430
32,932

1,633

Total financial liabilities

57,925

17,656

128,109

39,155

242,845

The  following  table  represents  the  maturity  profile  of  the  Group’s  derivative  commodity  contracts  based  on 
undiscounted cash flows:

At 31 December 2018

Cash inflow
Cash outflow

Net cash flows

At 31 December 2017

Cash inflow
Cash outflow

Net cash flows

Less than 1 year

Between 
1 and 2 years

Between 
2 and 5 years

133,167
(132,409)

47,403
(47,367)

42,251
(42,292)

Total

222,821
(222,068)

758

36

(41)

753

45,120
(46,422)

29,028
(28,182)

54,785
(54,572)

128,933
(129,176)

(1,302)

846

213

(243)

59

60

 
 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

Reconciliation  of  liabilities  arising  from  financing  activities. The  movements  in  the  Group`s  liabilities  arising 
from financing activities were as follows:

At 1 January 2017

Cash flows

Non-cash movements

Non-cash additions
Interest accrued
Foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2017

Cash flows

Non-cash movements

Non-cash additions
Interest accrued
Foreign exchange movements
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Reclassification to assets held for sale (see Note 5)

At 31 December 2018

Long-term debt and 
interest payables

Long-term lease 
liabilities

218,586

(63,144)

-
10,235
(8,706)

156,971

(22,313)

249
8,702
28,995
1,010
-

173,614

256

(567)

7,623
119
(135)

7,296

(2,192)

2,480
474
1,758
-
(18)

9,798

Total

218,842

(63,711)

7,623
10,354
(8,841)

164,267

(24,505)

2,729
9,176
30,753
1,010
(18)

183,412

Capital  management. The  primary  objectives  of  the  Group’s  capital  management  policy  are  to  ensure  a  strong 
capital  base  to  fund  and  sustain  its  business  operations  through  prudent  investment  decisions  and  to  maintain 
investor, market and creditor confidence to support its business activities.

At the reporting date, the Group had investment grade ratings of BBB by Standard & Poor’s, BBB by Fitch Ratings 
and Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, in February 2019, the Group’s credit 
rating was upgraded to Baa2 by Moody’s Investors Service. The Group has established certain financial targets and 
coverage ratios that it monitors on a quarterly and annual basis to maintain its credit ratings.

The  Group  manages  its  capital  on  a  corporate-wide  basis  to  ensure  adequate  funding  to  sufficiently  meet  the 
Group’s  operational  requirements.  The  majority  of  external  debts  raised  to  finance  NOVATEK’s  wholly  owned 
subsidiaries are centralized at the parent level, and financing to Group entities is facilitated through inter-company 
loan arrangements or additional contributions to share capital.

The  Group  has  a  stated  dividend  policy  that  distributes  not  less  than  30  percent  of  the  Group’s  consolidated  net 
profit determined according to IFRS, adjusted for one-off profits (losses). The dividend payment for a specific year 
is  determined  after  taking  into  consideration  future  earnings,  capital  expenditure  requirements,  future  business 
opportunities and the Group’s current financial position. Dividends are recommended by the Board of Directors of 
NOVATEK and approved by the NOVATEK’s shareholders. 

The  Group defines the term  “capital” as equity attributable to PAO NOVATEK shareholders plus net debt (total 
debt  less  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  bank  deposits  with  maturity  more  than  three  months).  There  were  no 
changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during 2018. At 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group’s 
capital totaled RR 971,157 million and RR 847,646 million, respectively.

61

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

27

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

28

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

Reconciliation  of  liabilities  arising  from  financing  activities. The  movements  in  the  Group`s  liabilities  arising 

from financing activities were as follows:

Long-term debt and 

interest payables

Long-term lease 

liabilities

Foreign exchange movements

At 1 January 2017

Cash flows

Non-cash movements

Non-cash additions

Interest accrued

At 31 December 2017

Cash flows

Non-cash movements

Non-cash additions

Interest accrued

At 31 December 2018

Foreign exchange movements

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Reclassification to assets held for sale (see Note 5)

218,586

(63,144)

-

10,235

(8,706)

156,971

(22,313)

249

8,702

28,995

1,010

-

173,614

256

(567)

7,623

119

(135)

7,296

(2,192)

2,480

474

1,758

-

(18)

9,798

Total

218,842

(63,711)

7,623

10,354

(8,841)

164,267

(24,505)

2,729

9,176

30,753

1,010

(18)

183,412

Capital  management. The  primary  objectives  of  the  Group’s  capital  management  policy  are  to  ensure  a  strong 

capital  base  to  fund  and  sustain  its  business  operations  through  prudent  investment  decisions  and  to  maintain 

investor, market and creditor confidence to support its business activities.

At the reporting date, the Group had investment grade ratings of BBB by Standard & Poor’s, BBB by Fitch Ratings 

and Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, in February 2019, the Group’s credit 

rating was upgraded to Baa2 by Moody’s Investors Service. The Group has established certain financial targets and 

coverage ratios that it monitors on a quarterly and annual basis to maintain its credit ratings.

The  Group  manages  its  capital  on  a  corporate-wide  basis  to  ensure  adequate  funding  to  sufficiently  meet  the 

Group’s  operational  requirements.  The  majority  of  external  debts  raised  to  finance  NOVATEK’s  wholly  owned 

subsidiaries are centralized at the parent level, and financing to Group entities is facilitated through inter-company 

loan arrangements or additional contributions to share capital.

The  Group  has  a  stated  dividend  policy  that  distributes  not  less  than  30  percent  of  the  Group’s  consolidated  net 

profit determined according to IFRS, adjusted for one-off profits (losses). The dividend payment for a specific year 

is  determined  after  taking  into  consideration  future  earnings,  capital  expenditure  requirements,  future  business 

opportunities and the Group’s current financial position. Dividends are recommended by the Board of Directors of 

NOVATEK and approved by the NOVATEK’s shareholders. 

The Group defines the  term  “capital” as equity attributable to PAO NOVATEK shareholders plus net debt (total 

debt  less  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  bank  deposits  with  maturity  more  than  three  months).  There  were  no 

changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during 2018. At 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group’s 

capital totaled RR 971,157 million and RR 847,646 million, respectively.

Operating environment. The Russian Federation continues to display some characteristics of an emerging market. 
These characteristics include, but are not limited to, the existence of a currency that is in practice not convertible in 
most countries outside of the Russian Federation, and relatively high inflation. In addition, the Russian economy is 
particularly sensitive to world oil and gas prices; therefore, significant prolonged declines in world oil prices have a 
negative  impact  on  the  Russian  economy.  The  tax,  currency  and  customs  legislation  is  subject  to  varying 
interpretations,  frequent  changes  and  other  legal  and  fiscal  impediments  contribute  to  the  challenges  faced  by 
entities currently operating in the Russian Federation. The future economic direction of the Russian Federation is 
largely  dependent  upon  the  effectiveness  of  economic,  financial  and  monetary  measures  undertaken  by  the 
Government, together with tax, legal, regulatory, and political developments.

The  Group’s  business  operations  are  primarily  located  in  the  Russian  Federation  and  are  thus  exposed  to  the 
economic and financial markets of the Russian Federation.

Developments in Ukraine during 2014 and the subsequent negative reaction of the world community have had and 
may continue to have a negative impact on  the Russian economy, including difficulties in obtaining international 
funding,  devaluation  of  national  currency  and  high  inflation.  These  and  other  events,  in  case  of  escalation,  may 
have a significant negative impact on the operating environment in the Russian Federation.

Sectoral  sanctions  imposed  by  the  U.S.  government. On 16 July 2014, the Office of Foreign Assets Control
(OFAC) of the U.S. Treasury included PAO NOVATEK on the Sectoral Sanctions Identification List (the “List”),
which prohibits U.S. persons or persons within the United States from providing new financing to the Group for
longer than 60 days (prior to 28 November 2017, this restriction applied to new financing with a maturity of more
than 90 days). Whereas all other transactions, including financial, carried out by U.S. persons or within the United
States with the Group are permitted. The inclusion on the List has not impacted the Group’s business activities, in
any jurisdiction, nor does it affect the Group’s assets and debt.

Management has reviewed the Group’s capital expenditure programs and existing debt portfolio and has concluded 
that the Group has sufficient liquidity, through internally generated (operating) cash flows, to adequately fund its 
core oil and gas business operations including finance of planned capital expenditure programs of its subsidiaries, 
as well as to repay and service all Group’s short-term and long-term debt existing at the current reporting date and, 
therefore, inclusion on the List does not adversely impact the Group’s operational activities.

The  Group  together  with  its  foreign  partners  currently  raises  necessary  financing  for  our  joint  ventures  from 
non-US debt markets and lenders.

Contractual commitments. At  31  December  2018,  the  Group  had  contractual  capital  expenditures  commitments 
aggregating  approximately  RR  376 billion  (at  31  December  2017:  RR  49 billion)  mainly  for  construction  of 
infrastructure for future LNG projects (through 2028) and for development at the North-Russkoye (through 2021),
the  Salmanovskoye  (Utrenneye)  (through  2023),  the  Yarudeyskoye  (through  2020),  the  East-Tarkosalinskoye 
(through  2021)  and  the  Yurkharovskoye  (through  2019)  fields  all  in  accordance  with  duly  signed  agreements. 
These  amounts  at  31  December  2018  included  RR  266 billion  related  to  the  Arctic  LNG  2  project,  which  assets 
were classified as held for sale (at 31 December 2017: RR 11 billion).

In  September  2016,  the  Group  and  Eni  S.p.A.  (hereinafter  referred  to  as  the  “Concessionaries”)  formed  a  joint 
operation with a 50 percent participation interest held by each Concessionary under a Concession Contract with the 
State  of  Montenegro  for  the  exploration  and  production  of  hydrocarbons  on  four  offshore  blocks  located  in  the 
Adriatic Sea. The Group’s commitments with regard to this joint operation relate to performance obligations of the 
Concessionaries  to  conduct  mandatory  work  program  exploration  activities  as  stipulated  by  the  Concession 
Contract. The maximum amount to be paid to the State of Montenegro by the Group in case of non-performance 
during the first exploration period of up to four years ending in 2020 is EUR 42.5 million. The outflow of resources 
embodying economic benefits required to settle this contingent liability is not probable; therefore, no provision for 
this liability was recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

61

62

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

28

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

The  Group’s  commitments  with  regard  to  its joint  operation  in  Lebanon  relate  to performance  obligations  of  the 
Right  holders  to  conduct  minimum  work  commitment  exploration  activities  as  stipulated  by  the  Exploration  and 
Production Agreements (see Note 1). The maximum amount to be paid to the Republic of Lebanon by the Group in 
case of non-performance during the first exploration period of up to three years ending in 2021 (may be extended 
for a period not exceeding one year) is EUR 13.5 million. The outflow of resources embodying economic benefits 
required to settle this contingent liability is not probable; therefore, no provision for this liability was recognized in 
the consolidated financial statements.

Non-financial guarantees. The aggregated amount of non-financial guarantees in respect of the Yamal LNG
project issued by the Group to a number of third parties (the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, Russian
and foreign banks, LNG-vessels owners, LNG-terminal owners) in favor of the Group’s joint venture OAO Yamal
LNG and its subsidiary totaled USD 1.4 billion and EUR 7.2 billion at 31 December 2018 (at 31 December 2017:
USD 3.0 billion and EUR 6.6 billion). These non-financial guarantees have various terms depending mostly on the
successful project completion (finalization of the LNG plant construction and achievement of its full production
capacity). For certain factors as stipulated in the project financing agreements, the Group plans to issue in the future
non-financial guarantees covering the project post-completion period.

With regard to the Group’s obligations under the non-financial guarantee issued to the banks providing project
financing to Yamal LNG,
the State Corporation “Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs
(Vnesheconombank)” issued in favor of the banks a counter guarantee for the amount not exceeding the equivalent
of USD 3 billion.

The aggregated amount of non-financial guarantees issued by the Group to a Russian bank in favor of the Group’s
joint venture Cryogas-Vysotsk totaled EUR 232 million at 31 December 2018 (at 31 December 2017:
EUR 49 million).

The outflow of resources embodying economic benefits required to settle the obligations under these non-financial
guarantees issued by the Group is not probable; therefore, no provision for these liabilities was recognized in the
consolidated financial statements.

Taxation. Russian tax, currency and customs legislation is subject to varying interpretations, and changes,  which 
can occur frequently. Correspondingly, the relevant regional and federal tax authorities may periodically challenge 
management’s  interpretation  of  such  taxation  legislation  as  applied  to  the  Group’s  transactions  and  activities. 
Furthermore, events within the Russian Federation suggest that the tax authorities may be taking a more assertive
position in its interpretation of the legislation and assessments, and it is possible that transactions and activities that 
have  not  been  challenged  in  the  past  may  be  challenged.  As  a  result,  significant  additional  taxes,  penalties  and 
interest  may  be  assessed.  Fiscal  periods  remain  open  to  review  by  the  authorities  in  respect  of  taxes  for  three 
calendar years preceding the year of review. Under certain circumstances reviews may cover longer periods.

Management believes that its interpretation of the relevant legislation is appropriate and that it is probable that the 
Group’s  tax,  currency  and  customs  positions  will  be  sustained.  Where  management  believes  it  is  probable  that  a 
position cannot be sustained, an appropriate amount has been accrued in the consolidated financial statements.

Mineral licenses. The Group is subject to periodic reviews of its activities by governmental authorities with respect 
to  the  requirements  of  its  mineral  licenses.  Management  cooperates  with  governmental  authorities  to  agree  on 
remedial actions necessary to resolve any findings resulting from these reviews. Failure to comply with the terms of 
a license could result in fines, penalties or license limitation, suspension or revocation. The Group’s management 
believes  any  issues  of  non-compliance  will  be  resolved  through  negotiations  or  corrective  actions  without  any 
material adverse effect on the Group’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

63

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

28

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

28

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

The  Group’s  commitments  with  regard  to  its joint  operation  in  Lebanon  relate  to performance  obligations  of  the 

Right  holders  to  conduct  minimum  work  commitment  exploration  activities  as  stipulated  by  the  Exploration  and 

Production Agreements (see Note 1). The maximum amount to be paid to the Republic of Lebanon by the Group in 

case of non-performance during the first exploration period of up to three years ending in 2021 (may be extended 

for a period not exceeding one year) is EUR 13.5 million. The outflow of resources embodying economic benefits 

required to settle this contingent liability is not probable; therefore, no provision for this liability was recognized in 

the consolidated financial statements.

Non-financial guarantees. The aggregated amount of non-financial guarantees in respect of the Yamal LNG

project issued by the Group to a number of third parties (the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, Russian

and foreign banks, LNG-vessels owners, LNG-terminal owners) in favor of the Group’s joint venture OAO Yamal

LNG and its subsidiary totaled USD 1.4 billion and EUR 7.2 billion at 31 December 2018 (at 31 December 2017:

USD 3.0 billion and EUR 6.6 billion). These non-financial guarantees have various terms depending mostly on the

successful project completion (finalization of the LNG plant construction and achievement of its full production

capacity). For certain factors as stipulated in the project financing agreements, the Group plans to issue in the future

non-financial guarantees covering the project post-completion period.

With regard to the Group’s obligations under the non-financial guarantee issued to the banks providing project

financing to Yamal LNG,

the State Corporation “Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs

(Vnesheconombank)” issued in favor of the banks a counter guarantee for the amount not exceeding the equivalent

The aggregated amount of non-financial guarantees issued by the Group to a Russian bank in favor of the Group’s

joint venture Cryogas-Vysotsk totaled EUR 232 million at 31 December 2018 (at 31 December 2017:

of USD 3 billion.

EUR 49 million).

The outflow of resources embodying economic benefits required to settle the obligations under these non-financial

guarantees issued by the Group is not probable; therefore, no provision for these liabilities was recognized in the

consolidated financial statements.

Taxation. Russian tax, currency and customs legislation is subject to varying interpretations, and changes, which 

can occur frequently. Correspondingly, the relevant regional and federal tax authorities may periodically challenge 

management’s  interpretation  of  such  taxation  legislation  as  applied  to  the  Group’s  transactions  and  activities. 

Furthermore, events within the Russian Federation suggest that the tax authorities may be taking a more assertive

position in its interpretation of the legislation and assessments, and it is possible that transactions and activities that 

have  not  been  challenged  in  the  past  may  be  challenged.  As  a  result,  significant  additional  taxes,  penalties  and 

interest  may  be  assessed.  Fiscal  periods  remain  open  to  review  by  the  authorities  in  respect  of  taxes  for  three 

calendar years preceding the year of review. Under certain circumstances reviews may cover longer periods.

Management believes that its interpretation of the relevant legislation is appropriate and that it is probable that the 

Group’s  tax,  currency  and  customs  positions  will  be  sustained.  Where  management  believes  it  is  probable  that  a 

position cannot be sustained, an appropriate amount has been accrued in the consolidated financial statements.

Mineral licenses. The Group is subject to periodic reviews of its activities by governmental authorities with respect 

to  the  requirements  of  its  mineral  licenses.  Management  cooperates  with  governmental  authorities  to  agree  on 

remedial actions necessary to resolve any findings resulting from these reviews. Failure to comply with the terms of 

a license could result in fines, penalties or license limitation, suspension or revocation. The Group’s management 

believes  any  issues  of  non-compliance  will  be  resolved  through  negotiations  or  corrective  actions  without  any 

material adverse effect on the Group’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The majority of the Group’s oil and gas fields and license areas are located in the YNAO. Licenses are issued by 
the Federal Agency for the Use of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation and the Group pays unified natural 
resources  production  tax  to  produce  crude  oil,  natural  gas  and  unstable  gas  condensate  from  these  fields  and 
contributions for exploration of license areas. The principal licenses of the Group and its joint ventures and their 
expiry dates are:

Field

License holder

License expiry date

Salmanovskoye (Utrenneye)
Yurkharovskoye
Upper-Tiuteyskoye

and West-Seyakhinskoye

West-Yurkharovskoye
East-Tarkosalinskoye
North-Russkoye
Kharbeyskoye 
Urengoyskoye (within the 
Olimpiyskiy license area)

Khancheyskoye
East-Tazovskoye
Dorogovskoye 
North-Khancheyskoye + 
Khadyryakhinskoye 
Dobrovolskoye (within the 
Olimpiyskiy license area)
South-Khadyryakhinskoye
Geofizicheskoye
Gydanskoye
Yarudeyskoye
East-Urengoiskoye + North-

Esetinskoye (within the West 
Yaro Yakhinsky license area) 

Beregovoe
Urengoyskoe (within the 

Subsidiaries:
OOO Arctic LNG 2
OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas

OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas

OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas

OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas

OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas
OOO Arctic LNG 1
OOO Arctic LNG 1
OOO Yargeo

OOO Severneft Urengoy
AO NOVATEK-Pur

Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license area)

OOO Urengoyskaya gasovaya companiya

South-Tambeyskoye
Urengoyskoye (within the 
Samburgskiy and Yevo-
Yakhinskiy license areas)

Yaro-Yakhinskoye
Samburgskoye
North-Chaselskoye
Yevo-Yakhinskoye
North-Urengoyskoye  
Termokarstovoye

Joint ventures:
OAO Yamal LNG

AO Arcticgas
AO Arcticgas
AO Arcticgas
AO Arcticgas
AO Arcticgas
ZAO Nortgas
ZAO Terneftegas

2120
2034

2044
2029
2043
2031
2036

2059
2044
2033
2033

2029

2059
2031
2034
2044
2029

2025
2070

2024

2045

2034
2034
2034
Life of field
2034
2038
2097

63

64

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

28

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

Management  believes  the  Group  has  the  right  to  extend  its  licenses  beyond  the  initial  expiration  date  under  the 
existing legislation and intends to exercise this right on all of its fields. 

Environmental liabilities. The Group operates in the oil and gas industry in the Russian Federation and abroad.
The enforcement of environmental regulation in the Russian Federation and other countries of operation is evolving
and the enforcement posture of government authorities is continually being reconsidered. The Group periodically
evaluates its obligations under environmental regulations and, as obligations are determined, they are recognized as
an expense immediately if no future benefit is discernible. Potential liabilities arising as a result of a change in
interpretation of existing regulations, civil litigation or changes in legislation cannot be estimated. Under existing
legislation, management believes that there are no probable liabilities, which will have a material adverse effect on
the Group’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Legal contingencies. The Group is subject of, or party to a number of court proceedings (both as a plaintiff and a 
defendant)  arising  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business. In  the  opinion  of  management,  there  are  no  current  legal 
proceedings or other claims outstanding, which could have a material effect on the result of operations or financial 
position of the Group and which have not been accrued or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.

65

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

28

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

29

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES

Management  believes  the  Group  has  the  right  to  extend  its  licenses  beyond  the  initial  expiration  date  under  the 

existing legislation and intends to exercise this right on all of its fields. 

The principal subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Group and respective effective ownership in the ordinary share 
capital at 31 December 2018 and 2017 are set out below: 

Environmental liabilities. The Group operates in the oil and gas industry in the Russian Federation and abroad.

The enforcement of environmental regulation in the Russian Federation and other countries of operation is evolving

and the enforcement posture of government authorities is continually being reconsidered. The Group periodically

evaluates its obligations under environmental regulations and, as obligations are determined, they are recognized as

an expense immediately if no future benefit is discernible. Potential liabilities arising as a result of a change in

interpretation of existing regulations, civil litigation or changes in legislation cannot be estimated. Under existing

legislation, management believes that there are no probable liabilities, which will have a material adverse effect on

the Group’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Legal contingencies. The Group is subject of, or party to a number of court proceedings (both as a plaintiff and a 

defendant)  arising  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business. In  the  opinion  of  management,  there  are  no  current  legal 

proceedings or other claims outstanding, which could have a material effect on the result of operations or financial 

position of the Group and which have not been accrued or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.

Ownership percent 
at 31 December:
2017

2018

Country of 
incorporation

Principal activities

Subsidiaries:

OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas

OOO Yargeo
AO NOVATEK-Pur

(formerly AO Geotransgas)

OOO Arctic LNG 1

OOO Arctic LNG 2
OOO Arctic LNG 3

OOO NOVATEK-NTC

OOO NOVATEK-Murmansk

OOO NOVATEK-Purovsky ZPK
OOO NOVATEK-Transervice

OOO NOVATEK-Ust-Luga
OOO NOVATEK-AZK
OOO NOVATEK-Chelyabinsk
OOO NOVATEK-Kostroma
OOO NOVATEK-Perm
OOO NOVATEK Moscow Region
Novatek Gas & Power GmbH 
Novatek Gas & Power Asia PTE. Ltd
Novatek Polska Sp. z o.o.

Joint ventures:

OAO Yamal LNG
AO Articgas (see Note 7)
ZAO Nortgas
ZAO Terneftegas

ООО Cryogas-Vysotsk

Rostock LNG GmbH

100
100

51

100
100

100
100

100

100

100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

50.1
50
50
51

51

49

100
100

51

-
100

100
100

100

100

100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

50.1
53.3
50
51

51

-

Russia
Russia

Russia

Russia
Russia

Russia
Russia

Russia

Russia

Russia
Russia

Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Switzerland
Singapore
Poland

Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia

Russia

Germany

Exploration and production
Exploration and production
Exploration, development 
and production

Exploration and production
Exploration and development
Exploration and development, 
construction of LNG plant
Exploration and development
Scientific and 
technical support of 
exploration and development
Construction of 
large-scale offshore structures
Gas Condensate
Processing Plant
Transportation services
Fractionation
and Transshipment Complex
Wholesale and retail trading
Trading and marketing
Trading and marketing
Trading and marketing
Trading and marketing
Trading and marketing
Trading and marketing
Trading and marketing

Exploration and development, 
production of LNG
Exploration and production
Exploration and production
Exploration and production
Construction 
of medium-scale LNG plant
Construction 
of medium-scale LNG 
transshipment terminal

65

66

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

30

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions  between  NOVATEK  and  its  subsidiaries,  which  are  related  parties  of  NOVATEK,  have  been 
eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this Note.

For  the  purposes  of  these  consolidated  financial  statements,  parties  are  generally  considered  to  be  related  if  one 
party  has the ability to control the other party, is under common control,  or can exercise significant influence or 
joint control over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. Management has used reasonable 
judgments  in  considering  each  possible  related  party  relationship  with  attention  directed  to  the  substance  of  the 
relationship, not merely the legal form. Related parties may enter into transactions, which unrelated parties might 
not,  and  transactions  between  related  parties  may  not  be  affected  on  the  same  terms,  conditions  and  amounts  as 
transactions between unrelated parties. 

Related parties – joint ventures

Transactions

Other revenues
Purchases of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons
Materials, services and other
Other operating income (loss)
Interest income on loans issued
Dividends declared

Related parties – joint ventures

Balances

Long-term loans receivable
Current portion of long-term loans receivable
Trade receivables
Trade payables and accrued liabilities

Year ended  31 December:

2018

2017

3,258
(280,570)
(133)
119
12,511
8,500

1,481
(137,784)
(193)
-
13,640
2,383

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

232,515
40,386
330
26,194

211,472
891
246
19,785

The terms and conditions of the loans receivable from the joint ventures are disclosed in Note 8.

The Group issued non-financial guarantees in favor of its joint ventures as described in Note 28.

In September 2018,  TOTAL S.A. acquired an additional shareholding in NOVATEK increasing its’ participating 
interest  in  the  Company  to  19.4%.  From  here  on,  the  Group  considers  TOTAL  as  a  shareholder  of  significant 
influence, and starting from 1 October 2018, discloses balances and operations with TOTAL and its subsidiaries as 
related parties transactions.

Related parties – entities with significant influence and their subsidiaries

Year ended  31 December:

2018

2017

Transactions

Revenue from oil and gas sales 
Other operating income (loss)

16,511
(459)

-
-

Related parties – entities with significant influence and their subsidiaries

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Balances

Trade and other receivables
Trade payables and accrued liabilities

2,271
350

-
-

67

PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

30

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

30

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

Transactions  between  NOVATEK  and  its  subsidiaries,  which  are  related  parties  of  NOVATEK,  have  been 

eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this Note.

Related parties – entities under control of key management personnel

Year ended  31 December:

2018

2017

Transactions

Purchases of construction services

(capitalized within property, plant and equipment)

Liquid hydrocarbons transportation by rail 
Materials, services and other

(7,107)
(9,449)
(4)

(661)
(9,496)
(16)

Related parties – entities under control of key management personnel

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Balances

Advances for construction
Prepayments and other current assets
Trade payables and accrued liabilities

3,704
715
2,104

195
565
504

Transactions with related parties also included loans, which were provided to one of the Group’s subsidiaries by its 
non-controlling shareholder (see Note 14).

Key management personnel compensation. The Group paid to key management personnel (members of the Board 
of Directors and the Management Committee) short-term  compensation, including salary, bonuses and excluding 
dividends, in the following amounts:

Related parties – members of the key management personnel

Board of Directors
Management Committee

Total compensation

Year ended  31 December:

2018

2017

128
3,151

3,279

133
2,138

2,271

Such  amounts  include  personal  income  tax  and  are  net  of payments  to  non-budget  funds  made  by  the  employer. 
Some  members  of  key  management  personnel  have  direct  and/or  indirect  interests  in  the  Group  and  receive 
dividends under general conditions based on their respective shareholdings. 

For  the  purposes  of  these  consolidated  financial  statements,  parties  are  generally  considered  to  be  related  if  one 

party  has the ability to control the other party, is under common control,  or can exercise significant influence or 

joint control over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. Management has used reasonable 

judgments  in  considering  each  possible  related  party  relationship  with  attention  directed  to  the  substance  of  the 

relationship, not merely the legal form. Related parties may enter into transactions, which unrelated parties might 

not,  and  transactions  between  related  parties  may  not  be  affected  on  the  same  terms,  conditions  and  amounts  as 

transactions between unrelated parties. 

Related parties – joint ventures

Transactions

Other revenues

Purchases of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons

Materials, services and other

Other operating income (loss)

Interest income on loans issued

Dividends declared

Related parties – joint ventures

Balances

Long-term loans receivable

Current portion of long-term loans receivable

Trade receivables

Trade payables and accrued liabilities

Year ended  31 December:

2018

2017

3,258

(280,570)

(133)

119

12,511

8,500

1,481

(137,784)

(193)

-

13,640

2,383

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

232,515

40,386

330

26,194

211,472

891

246

19,785

The terms and conditions of the loans receivable from the joint ventures are disclosed in Note 8.

The Group issued non-financial guarantees in favor of its joint ventures as described in Note 28.

In September 2018,  TOTAL S.A. acquired an additional shareholding in NOVATEK increasing its’ participating 

interest  in  the  Company  to  19.4%.  From  here  on,  the  Group  considers  TOTAL  as  a  shareholder  of  significant 

influence, and starting from 1 October 2018, discloses balances and operations with TOTAL and its subsidiaries as 

related parties transactions.

Related parties – entities with significant influence and their subsidiaries

Year ended  31 December:

2018

2017

Transactions

Revenue from oil and gas sales 

Other operating income (loss)

Balances

Trade and other receivables

Trade payables and accrued liabilities

16,511

(459)

2,271

350

-

-

-

-

Related parties – entities with significant influence and their subsidiaries

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

67

68

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

31

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Group’s activities are considered by the chief operating decision maker (hereinafter referred to as “CODM”, 
represented  by  the  Management  Committee  of  NOVATEK)  to  comprise  one  operating  segment:  “exploration, 
production and marketing”.

The  Group’s  management  reviews  financial  information  on  the  results  of  operations  of  the  reporting  segment 
prepared based on IFRS. The CODM assesses reporting segment performance based on profit comprising among 
others revenues, depreciation, depletion and amortization, interest income and expense, income tax and other items 
as presented in the Group’s consolidated statement of income. The CODM also reviews capital expenditures of the 
reporting segment for the period defined as additions to property, plant and equipment (see Note 6).

Geographical information. The Group operates in the following geographical areas:

•

•

•

•

•

•

Russian Federation – exploration, development, production and processing of hydrocarbons, and sales of
natural gas, stable gas condensate, other gas and gas condensate refined products, liquefied petroleum gas and 
crude oil;

Countries of Europe (primarily, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, France, Finland, the United 
Kingdom, Italy, Poland and Montenegro) – sales of naphtha, stable gas condensate, gas condensate refined 
products, crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas and exploration activities within joint operations;

Countries of the Asia-Pacific region (primarily, China, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Japan, India and 
Singapore) – sales of naphtha, stable gas condensate, natural gas and crude oil;

Countries of North America (primarily, the USA) – sales of naphtha and other gas condensate refined 
products;

Countries of the Middle East (primarily, Oman, UAE and Lebanon) – sales of naphtha and stable gas 
condensate and exploration activities within joint operations;

Countries of Latin America (primarily, Brazil) – sales of natural gas.

Geographical information of oil and gas sales for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

Russia

Europe
Asia-Pacific region
North America
The Middle East
Latin America
Less: export duties

Total outside Russia

Total oil and gas sales

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

406,621

278,367
138,992
26,867
11,742
4,786
(41,614)

419,140

825,761

351,318

152,439
77,204
25,962
-
-

(27,104)

228,501

579,819

Revenues pertaining to geographical information are prepared based on the products geographical  destination. For 
products  transported  by  tankers,  the  geography  is  determined  based  on  the  location  of  the  port  of 
discharge/transshipment designated by the Group’s customer. Substantially all of the Group’s operating assets are 
located in the Russian Federation.

Major customers. For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group had one major customer to whom 
individual revenue exceeded 10 percent of total external revenues, which represented 14 percent (RR 115.4 billion)
and  19  percent  (RR  110.3  billion)  of  total  external  revenues,  respectively.  The  Group’s  major  customer  resides 
within the Russian Federation.

69

 
 
PAO NOVATEK

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

PAO NOVATEK
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in Russian roubles [tabular amounts in millions], unless otherwise stated)

31

SEGMENT INFORMATION

32

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Group’s activities are considered by the chief operating decision maker (hereinafter referred to as “CODM”, 

represented  by  the  Management  Committee  of  NOVATEK)  to  comprise  one  operating  segment:  “exploration, 

The following new standards and interpretations have been issued that are mandatory for the annual periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2019, and which the Group has not early adopted:

Amendments to IFRS 10, Consolidated financial statements, and IAS 28, Investments in associates and joint
ventures (issued in September 2014, in November 2015 the effective date was postponed indefinitely). These
amendments address an inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and those in IAS 28 in dealing with the
sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The amendments stipulate that a
full gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involves a business. A partial gain or loss is recognized when a
transaction involves assets that do not constitute a business, even if these assets are held by a subsidiary. The Group
is considering the implications of these amendments for the Group’s consolidated financial statements, and the
timing of their adoption by the Group.

Amendments to IFRS 3, Business combinations (issued in October 2018 and effective for annual periods beginning
on or after 1 January 2020, early adoption is permitted). These amendments revise the definition of a business with
the aim to make its application less complicated. In addition, they introduce an optional “concentration test” that, if
met, eliminates the need for further assessment. Under this concentration test, where substantially all of the fair
value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the assets acquired
would not represent a business. The Group will apply the new definition of a business in accounting for future
transactions starting from 1 January 2020.

production and marketing”.

The  Group’s  management  reviews  financial  information  on  the  results  of  operations  of  the  reporting  segment 

prepared based on IFRS. The CODM assesses reporting segment performance based on profit comprising among 

others revenues, depreciation, depletion and amortization, interest income and expense, income tax and other items 

as presented in the Group’s consolidated statement of income. The CODM also reviews capital expenditures of the 

reporting segment for the period defined as additions to property, plant and equipment (see Note 6).

Geographical information. The Group operates in the following geographical areas:

Russian Federation – exploration, development, production and processing of hydrocarbons, and sales of

natural gas, stable gas condensate, other gas and gas condensate refined products, liquefied petroleum gas and 

crude oil;

products;

•

•

•

•

•

•

Countries of Europe (primarily, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, France, Finland, the United 

Kingdom, Italy, Poland and Montenegro) – sales of naphtha, stable gas condensate, gas condensate refined 

products, crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas and exploration activities within joint operations;

Countries of the Asia-Pacific region (primarily, China, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Japan, India and 

Singapore) – sales of naphtha, stable gas condensate, natural gas and crude oil;

Countries of North America (primarily, the USA) – sales of naphtha and other gas condensate refined 

Countries of the Middle East (primarily, Oman, UAE and Lebanon) – sales of naphtha and stable gas 

condensate and exploration activities within joint operations;

Countries of Latin America (primarily, Brazil) – sales of natural gas.

Geographical information of oil and gas sales for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

Russia

Europe

Asia-Pacific region

North America

The Middle East

Latin America

Less: export duties

Total outside Russia

Total oil and gas sales

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

406,621

278,367

138,992

26,867

11,742

4,786

(41,614)

419,140

825,761

351,318

152,439

77,204

25,962

-

-

(27,104)

228,501

579,819

Revenues pertaining to geographical information are prepared based on the products geographical  destination. For 

products  transported  by  tankers,  the  geography  is  determined  based  on  the  location  of  the  port  of 

discharge/transshipment designated by the Group’s customer. Substantially all of the Group’s operating assets are 

located in the Russian Federation.

Major customers. For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group had one major customer to whom 

individual revenue exceeded 10 percent of total external revenues, which represented 14 percent (RR 115.4 billion)

and  19  percent  (RR  110.3  billion)  of  total  external  revenues,  respectively.  The  Group’s  major  customer  resides 

within the Russian Federation.

69

70

 
 
 
PAO NOVATEK
Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). In the absence of specific IFRS guidance for the oil and gas industry, the Group has 
reverted  to  other  relevant  disclosure  standards,  mainly  US  GAAP,  that  are  consistent  with  norms  established  for 
companies in the oil and gas industry. While not required under IFRS, this section provides unaudited supplemental 
information on oil and gas exploration and production activities but excludes disclosures regarding the standardized 
measures of discounted cash flows related to oil and gas activities.

The Group’s exploration and production activities are mainly within the Russian Federation; therefore, majority of 
the information provided in this section pertains to this country. The Group operates through  various oil and gas 
production subsidiaries, and also has an interest in oil and gas companies that are accounted for under the equity 
method.

Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Costs

The following tables set forth information regarding oil and gas acquisition, exploration and development activities. 
The  amounts  reported  as  costs  incurred  include  both  capitalized  costs  and  costs  charged  to  expense,  and  are 
presented comprising amounts classified as assets held for sale and amounts allocated to fair values of the identified 
assets in acquisitions of subsidiaries (see Note 5). These costs do not include LNG liquefaction and transportation 
operations (amounts in millions of Russian roubles).

Costs incurred in exploration and development activities

Acquisition of unproved properties
Acquisition of proved properties
Exploration costs
Development costs

Total costs incurred in exploration and development activities

The Group’s share in joint ventures’

cost incurred in exploration and development activities

Capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities

Proved and unproved properties
Wells, related equipment and facilities
Support equipment and facilities
Uncompleted wells, related equipment and facilities

Total capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities

Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

Net capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities

The Group’s share in joint ventures’ 

capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

66
17,633
12,379
59,946

90,024

29,401

1,040
10,594
7,958
16,481

36,073

19,214

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

91,496
279,361
126,970
78,843

576,670

(193,834)

382,836

456,277

70,327
265,308
101,861
27,312

464,808

(159,677)

305,131

452,403

71

PAO NOVATEK

Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

PAO NOVATEK
Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 

Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). In the absence of specific IFRS guidance for the oil and gas industry, the Group has 

reverted  to  other  relevant  disclosure  standards,  mainly  US  GAAP,  that  are  consistent  with  norms  established  for 

companies in the oil and gas industry. While not required under IFRS, this section provides unaudited supplemental 

information on oil and gas exploration and production activities but excludes disclosures regarding the standardized 

measures of discounted cash flows related to oil and gas activities.

The Group’s exploration and production activities are mainly within the Russian Federation; therefore, majority of 

the information provided in this section pertains to this country. The Group operates through  various oil and gas 

production subsidiaries, and also has an interest in oil and gas companies that are accounted for under the equity 

method.

Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Costs

The following tables set forth information regarding oil and gas acquisition, exploration and development activities. 

The  amounts  reported  as  costs  incurred  include  both  capitalized  costs  and  costs  charged  to  expense,  and  are 

presented comprising amounts classified as assets held for sale and amounts allocated to fair values of the identified 

assets in acquisitions of subsidiaries (see Note 5). These costs do not include LNG liquefaction and transportation 

operations (amounts in millions of Russian roubles).

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

Costs incurred in exploration and development activities

Acquisition of unproved properties

Acquisition of proved properties

Exploration costs

Development costs

Total costs incurred in exploration and development activities

The Group’s share in joint ventures’

cost incurred in exploration and development activities

Capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities

Proved and unproved properties

Wells, related equipment and facilities

Support equipment and facilities

Uncompleted wells, related equipment and facilities

Total capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities

Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

Net capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities

The Group’s share in joint ventures’ 

capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

66

17,633

12,379

59,946

90,024

29,401

91,496

279,361

126,970

78,843

576,670

(193,834)

382,836

456,277

1,040

10,594

7,958

16,481

36,073

19,214

70,327

265,308

101,861

27,312

464,808

(159,677)

305,131

452,403

Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities

Results of operations for oil and gas producing activities of the Group’s  subsidiaries and the Group’s share in the 
results of operations of joint ventures are shown below (amounts in millions of Russian roubles).

Subsidiaries

Revenues from oil and gas sales (less transportation)

Lifting costs
Taxes other than income tax
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Exploration expenses 
Social expenses and charity (1)
Other operating expenses (2)

Total operating expenses

Results of operations for oil and gas

producing activities before income tax

Less: related income tax expenses

Results of operations for oil and gas 

producing activities of the Group’s subsidiaries

Group’s share in joint ventures

Revenues from oil and gas sales (less transportation)

Lifting costs
Taxes other than income tax
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Exploration expenses 
Social expenses and charity (1)

Total operating expenses

Results of operations for oil and gas

producing activities before income tax

Less: related income tax expenses

Group’s share in results of operations for oil and gas 

producing activities of joint ventures

Total results of operations for oil and gas producing activities

of the Group’s subsidiaries and joint ventures

Year ended 31 December:

2018

2017

242,078

(14,938)
(57,821)
(27,051)
(7,012)
(1,171)
(388)
(108,381)

133,697

(25,123)

200,331

(13,161)
(48,611)
(30,077)
(1,819)
(1,526)
(488)
(95,682)

104,649

(20,048)

108,574

84,601

193,396

(5,527)
(37,306)
(19,786)
(332)
(106)
(63,057)

130,339

(21,738)

108,601

217,175

98,432

(4,570)
(34,533)
(17,512)
(261)
(791)
(57,667)

40,765

(6,889)

33,876

118,477

(1) Represent social expenses and compensatory payments related mainly to continued support of charities and social programs 

in the regions where we perform our production and development activities.

(2) Represent mainly materials, services and other expenses, as well as administrative expenses being by nature operating 

expenses relating to fields in exploration and development stage.

The  results  of  operations  for  hydrocarbons  producing  activities  are  presented  only  for  volumes  produced  by  the 
Group’s subsidiaries and joint ventures and do not include general corporate overheads, processing costs incurred 
after  saleable  hydrocarbons  are  received,  such  as  stable  gas  condensate  processing  costs  and  natural  gas 
liquefaction costs. Revenues from oil and gas sales are calculated based on hydrocarbons production volumes and 
netback  prices  determined  at  the  point  of  marketable  products  production  and  do  not  include  export  duties, 
transportation expenses to customers, storage, sales and other similar expenses.

71

72

PAO NOVATEK
Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

Operating expenses include only the amounts directly  related to the extraction of natural gas, gas condensate and 
crude oil, such as lifting costs (materials, services and other expenses, as well as administrative expenses being by 
nature operating expenses of oil and gas producing activities), taxes other than income tax, depreciation, depletion 
and amortization and other expenses. Income tax expense is calculated based on income tax rates applicable to each 
Group’s subsidiary and joint venture.

Proved Oil and Gas Reserves

The following information presents the quantities of proved oil and gas reserves and changes thereto as at and for 
the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017.

The Group estimates its oil and gas reserves in accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) for proved reserves. 

The  Group’s  oil  and  gas  reserves  estimation  and  reporting  process  involves  an  annual  independent  third  party 
reserve appraisal as well as internal technical appraisals of reserves. The Group maintains its own internal reserve 
estimates  that  are  calculated  by  qualified  engineers  and  technical  staff  working  directly  with  the  oil  and  gas 
properties. The Group’s technical staff periodically updates reserve estimates during the year based on evaluations 
of new wells, performance reviews, new technical information and other studies.

The oil and gas reserve estimates reported below are determined by the Group’s independent petroleum reservoir 
engineers,  DeGolyer  and  MacNaughton  (“D&M”).  The  Group  provides  D&M  annually  with  engineering, 
geological  and  geophysical  data,  actual  production  histories  and  other  information  necessary  for  the  reserve 
determination. The Group’s and D&M’s technical staffs meet to review and discuss the information provided, and 
upon  completion  of  this  process,  senior  management  reviews  and  approves  the  final  reserve  estimates  issued  by 
D&M.

The  following  reserve  estimates  were  prepared  using  standard  geological  and  engineering  methods  generally 
accepted by the petroleum industry. The method or combination of methods used in the analysis of each reservoir is 
tempered by experience with similar reservoirs, stages of development, quality and completeness of basic data, and 
production history. 

Extensions  of  production  licenses  are  assumed  to  be  at  the  discretion  of  the  Group.  Management  believes  that 
proved reserves should include quantities which are expected to be produced after the expiry dates of the Group’s 
production licenses. The principal  licenses of the Group  for exploration and production  expire between 2029 and 
2120.  Legislation  of  the  Russian  Federation  states  that,  upon  expiration,  a  license  is  subject  to  renewal  at  the 
initiative of the license holder provided that further exploration, appraisal, production or remediation activities are 
necessary  and  provided  that  the  license  holder  has  not  violated  the  terms  of  the  license. Management  intends  to 
extend its licenses for properties expected to produce beyond the license expiry dates. 

Proved  reserves  are  defined  as  the  estimated  quantities  of  oil  and  gas  which  geological  and  engineering  data 
demonstrate  with  reasonable  certainty  to  be  recoverable  in  future  years  from  known  reservoirs  under  existing 
economic  conditions.  In  some  cases,  substantial  new  investment  in  additional  wells  and  related  support  facilities 
and equipment will be required to recover such proved reserves. Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited 
nature  of  reservoir  data,  estimates  of  underground  reserves  are  subject  to  change  over  time  as  additional 
information becomes available.

Proved  developed  reserves  are  those  reserves  which  are  expected  to  be  recovered  through  existing  wells  with 
existing  equipment  and  operating  methods.  Undeveloped  reserves  are  those  reserves  which  are  expected  to  be 
recovered as a result of future investments to drill new wells, to re-complete existing wells and/or install facilities 
to collect and deliver the production.

Net reserves exclude quantities due to others when produced. The reserve quantities below include 100 percent of 
the net proved reserve quantities attributable to  the Group’s consolidated subsidiaries and the Group’s ownership 
percentage of the net proved reserves quantities of the joint ventures including volumes of natural gas consumed in 
hydrocarbons production and development activities. Production and reserves of the South-Tambeyskoye field of
Yamal LNG are reported at 60 percent including an additional 9.9 percent interest not owned by the Group, since
the Group assumes certain economic and operational risks related to this interest.

73

PAO NOVATEK

Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

PAO NOVATEK
Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

Operating expenses include only the amounts directly  related to the extraction of natural gas, gas condensate and 

crude oil, such as lifting costs (materials, services and other expenses, as well as administrative expenses being by 

nature operating expenses of oil and gas producing activities), taxes other than income tax, depreciation, depletion 

and amortization and other expenses. Income tax expense is calculated based on income tax rates applicable to each 

For convenience, reserves estimates are provided both in English and Metric units.

Net proved reserves of natural gas are presented below.

Group’s subsidiary and joint venture.

Proved Oil and Gas Reserves

The following information presents the quantities of proved oil and gas reserves and changes thereto as at and for 

the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017.

The Group estimates its oil and gas reserves in accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange 

Commission (SEC) for proved reserves. 

The  Group’s  oil  and  gas  reserves  estimation  and  reporting  process  involves  an  annual  independent  third  party 

reserve appraisal as well as internal technical appraisals of reserves. The Group maintains its own internal reserve 

estimates  that  are  calculated  by  qualified  engineers  and  technical  staff  working  directly  with  the  oil  and  gas 

properties. The Group’s technical staff periodically updates reserve estimates during the year based on evaluations 

of new wells, performance reviews, new technical information and other studies.

The oil and gas reserve estimates reported below are determined by the Group’s independent petroleum reservoir 

engineers,  DeGolyer  and  MacNaughton  (“D&M”).  The  Group  provides  D&M  annually  with  engineering, 

geological  and  geophysical  data,  actual  production  histories  and  other  information  necessary  for  the  reserve 

determination. The Group’s and D&M’s technical staffs meet to review and discuss the information provided, and 

upon  completion  of  this  process,  senior  management  reviews  and  approves  the  final  reserve  estimates  issued  by 

D&M.

production history. 

The  following  reserve  estimates  were  prepared  using  standard  geological  and  engineering  methods  generally 

accepted by the petroleum industry. The method or combination of methods used in the analysis of each reservoir is 

tempered by experience with similar reservoirs, stages of development, quality and completeness of basic data, and 

Extensions  of  production  licenses  are  assumed  to  be  at  the  discretion  of  the  Group.  Management  believes  that 

proved reserves should include quantities which are expected to be produced after the expiry dates of the Group’s 

production licenses. The principal  licenses of the Group  for exploration and production  expire between 2029 and 

2120.  Legislation  of  the  Russian  Federation  states  that,  upon  expiration,  a  license  is  subject  to  renewal  at  the 

initiative of the license holder provided that further exploration, appraisal, production or remediation activities are 

necessary  and  provided  that  the  license  holder  has  not  violated  the  terms  of  the  license. Management  intends  to 

extend its licenses for properties expected to produce beyond the license expiry dates. 

Proved  reserves  are  defined  as  the  estimated  quantities  of  oil  and  gas  which  geological  and  engineering  data 

demonstrate  with  reasonable  certainty  to  be  recoverable  in  future  years  from  known  reservoirs  under  existing 

economic  conditions.  In  some  cases,  substantial  new  investment  in  additional  wells  and  related  support  facilities 

and equipment will be required to recover such proved reserves. Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited 

nature  of  reservoir  data,  estimates  of  underground  reserves  are  subject  to  change  over  time  as  additional 

information becomes available.

Proved  developed  reserves  are  those  reserves  which  are  expected  to  be  recovered  through  existing  wells  with 

existing  equipment  and  operating  methods.  Undeveloped  reserves  are  those  reserves  which  are  expected  to  be 

recovered as a result of future investments to drill new wells, to re-complete existing wells and/or install facilities 

to collect and deliver the production.

Net reserves exclude quantities due to others when produced. The reserve quantities below include 100 percent of 

the net proved reserve quantities attributable to  the Group’s consolidated subsidiaries and the Group’s ownership 

percentage of the net proved reserves quantities of the joint ventures including volumes of natural gas consumed in 

hydrocarbons production and development activities. Production and reserves of the South-Tambeyskoye field of

Yamal LNG are reported at 60 percent including an additional 9.9 percent interest not owned by the Group, since

the Group assumes certain economic and operational risks related to this interest.

Net proved reserves

Billions of 
cubic feet

Billions 
of cubic 
meters

Group’s share in
joint ventures

Billions of 
cubic feet

Billions 
of cubic 
meters

Total net proved reserves

Billions of 
cubic feet

Billions 
of cubic 
meters

At 31 December 2016

36,985

1,047

28,285

801

65,270

1,848

Changes attributable to:

Revisions of

previous estimates

Extension and discoveries
Acquisitions (1)
Production

(76)
1,485
8,117
(1,523)

(2)
42
230
(43)

374
1,154
-
(716)

At 31 December 2017

44,988

1,274

29,097

Changes attributable to:

Revisions of

previous estimates

Extension and discoveries
Acquisitions (2)
Disposals (3)
Production

288
483
3,426
-
(1,478)

8
14
97
-
(42)

433
1,294
-
(699)
(951)

At 31 December 2018

47,707

1,351

29,174

Net proved developed reserves (included above)

At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2017
At 31 December 2018

14,399
12,685
12,187

407
359
345

Net proved undeveloped reserves (included above)

At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2017
At 31 December 2018

22,586
32,303
35,520

640
915
1,006

8,487
12,820
14,103

19,798
16,277
15,071

10
33
-
(20)

824

13
36
-
(20)
(27)

826

240
363
399

561
461
427

298
2,639
8,117
(2,239)

8
75
230
(63)

74,085

2,098

721
1,777
3,426
(699)
(2,429)

21
50
97
(20)
(69)

76,881

2,177

22,886
25,505
26,290

42,384
48,580
50,591

647
722
744

1,201
1,376
1,433

(1)

(2)

(3)

In 2017, the Group acquired oil and gas exploration and production licenses for the Upper-Tiuteyskoye, the West-
Seyakhinskoye and the Gydanskoye fields and 100 percent ownership interests in OOO Severneft-Urengoy (merged into 
OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in January 2019), AO Eurotek and AO South-Khadyryakhinskoye (merged into 
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas in May 2018), which held exploration and production licenses for the West-
Yaroyakhiskiy, the Syskonsyninskiy and the South-Khadyryakhinskiy license areas, respectively.  

In 2018, the Group acquired 100 percent ownership interests in AO Geotransgas (renamed to AO NOVATEK-Pur in 
November 2018) and OOO Urengoyskaya gasovaya companiya (merging into OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in 
January 2019), exploration and production license holders of the the Beregovoy and the Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license areas, 
respectively.

In the first quarter of 2018, the Group and PAO Gazprom Neft completed the final stage of the previously commenced 
restructuring procedures. As a result of the transaction, the Group’s effective interest in AO Arcticgas decreased from 53.3 
to 50 percent.

73

74

PAO NOVATEK
Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

The net proved reserves of natural gas reported in the table above included reserves attributable to a non-controlling 
interest  in  a  Group’s  subsidiary  of  238 billion  cubic  feet  (seven billion  cubic  meters)  and  167 billion  cubic  feet 
(five billion cubic meters) at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively, and reserves attributable to an additional 
9.9 percent interest in Yamal LNG not owned by the Group (see above) of 2,471 billion cubic feet (70 billion cubic 
meters) and 2,386 billion cubic feet (68 billion cubic meters) at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Net proved reserves of crude oil, gas condensate and natural gas liquids are presented below.

Net proved reserves

Group’s share in
joint ventures

Total net proved reserves

Millions 
of barrels

Millions of 
metric tons

Millions 
of barrels

Millions of 
metric tons

Millions 
of barrels

Millions of 
metric tons

623

73

691

81

1,314

154

At 31 December 2016 

Changes attributable to:

Revisions of

previous estimates

Extension and discoveries
Acquisitions (1)
Production

At 31 December 2017

Changes attributable to:

Revisions of

previous estimates

Extension and discoveries
Acquisitions (2)
Disposals (3)
Production

At 31 December 2018 

33
61
40
(55)

702

31
35
77
-
(53)

792

Net proved developed reserves (included above)

At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2017
At 31 December 2018

275
307
340

Net proved undeveloped reserves (included above)

At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2017
At 31 December 2018

348
395
452

4
8
5
(7)

83

4
4
9
-
(7)

93

33
38
42

40
45
51

(12)
62
-
(43)

698

50
88
-
(31)
(46)

759

326
359
387

365
339
372

(2)
7
-
(5)

81

5
11
-
(4)
(5)

88

37
41
44

44
40
44

21
123
40
(98)

1,400

81
123
77
(31)
(99)

1,551

601
666
727

713
734
824

2
15
5
(12)

164

9
15
9
(4)
(12)

181

70
79
86

84
85
95

(1)

(2)

(3)

In 2017, the Group acquired oil and gas exploration and production licenses for the Upper-Tiuteyskoye, the West-
Seyakhinskoye and the Gydanskoye fields and 100 percent ownership interests in OOO Severneft-Urengoy (merged into 
OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in January 2019), AO Eurotek and AO South-Khadyryakhinskoye (merged into 
OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas in May 2018), which held exploration and production licenses for the West-
Yaroyakhiskiy, the Syskonsyninskiy and the South-Khadyryakhinskiy license areas, respectively.  

In 2018, the Group acquired 100 percent ownership interests in AO Geotransgas (renamed to AO NOVATEK-Pur in 
November 2018) and OOO Urengoyskaya gasovaya companiya (merging into OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in 
January 2019), exploration and production license holders of the the Beregovoy and the Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license areas, 
respectively.

In the first quarter of 2018, the Group and PAO Gazprom Neft completed the final stage of the previously commenced 
restructuring procedures. As a result of the transaction, the Group’s effective interest in AO Arcticgas decreased from 53.3 
to 50 percent.

75

PAO NOVATEK

Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

PAO NOVATEK
Unaudited Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

The net proved reserves of crude oil, gas condensate and natural gas liquids  reported in the table above included 
reserves attributable to a non-controlling interest in a Group’s subsidiary of 82 million barrels (11 million metric 
tons) and 65 million barrels (eight million metric tons) at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively, and reserves 
attributable to an additional 9.9 percent interest in Yamal LNG not owned by the Group (see above) of 22 million 
barrels (two million metric tons) and 17 million barrels (two million metric tons) at 31 December 2018 and 2017,
respectively.

76

The net proved reserves of natural gas reported in the table above included reserves attributable to a non-controlling 

interest  in  a  Group’s  subsidiary  of  238 billion  cubic  feet  (seven billion  cubic  meters)  and  167 billion  cubic  feet 

(five billion cubic meters) at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively, and reserves attributable to an additional 

9.9 percent interest in Yamal LNG not owned by the Group (see above) of 2,471 billion cubic feet (70 billion cubic 

meters) and 2,386 billion cubic feet (68 billion cubic meters) at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Net proved reserves of crude oil, gas condensate and natural gas liquids are presented below.

Net proved reserves

Total net proved reserves

Millions 

of barrels

Millions of 

metric tons

Millions 

of barrels

Millions of 

metric tons

Millions 

of barrels

Millions of 

metric tons

Group’s share in

joint ventures

623

73

691

81

1,314

154

At 31 December 2016 

Changes attributable to:

Revisions of

previous estimates

Extension and discoveries

Acquisitions (1)

Production

At 31 December 2017

Changes attributable to:

Revisions of

previous estimates

Extension and discoveries

Acquisitions (2)

Disposals (3)

Production

At 31 December 2018 

At 31 December 2016

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2016

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2018

Net proved developed reserves (included above)

Net proved undeveloped reserves (included above)

33

61

40

(55)

702

31

35

77

-

(53)

792

275

307

340

348

395

452

(12)

62

-

(43)

698

50

88

-

(31)

(46)

759

326

359

387

365

339

372

(2)

7

-

(5)

81

5

11

-

(4)

(5)

88

37

41

44

44

40

44

21

123

40

(98)

1,400

81

123

77

(31)

(99)

1,551

601

666

727

713

734

824

15

2

5

(12)

164

15

9

9

(4)

(12)

181

70

79

86

84

85

95

In 2017, the Group acquired oil and gas exploration and production licenses for the Upper-Tiuteyskoye, the West-

Seyakhinskoye and the Gydanskoye fields and 100 percent ownership interests in OOO Severneft-Urengoy (merged into 

OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in January 2019), AO Eurotek and AO South-Khadyryakhinskoye (merged into 

OOO NOVATEK-Tarkosaleneftegas in May 2018), which held exploration and production licenses for the West-

Yaroyakhiskiy, the Syskonsyninskiy and the South-Khadyryakhinskiy license areas, respectively.  

In 2018, the Group acquired 100 percent ownership interests in AO Geotransgas (renamed to AO NOVATEK-Pur in 

November 2018) and OOO Urengoyskaya gasovaya companiya (merging into OOO NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas in 

January 2019), exploration and production license holders of the the Beregovoy and the Ust-Yamsoveyskiy license areas, 

In the first quarter of 2018, the Group and PAO Gazprom Neft completed the final stage of the previously commenced 

restructuring procedures. As a result of the transaction, the Group’s effective interest in AO Arcticgas decreased from 53.3 

(1)

(2)

(3)

respectively.

to 50 percent.

4

8

5

(7)

83

4

4

9

-

(7)

93

33

38

42

40

45

51

75

188

Contact 
Information

OFFICE IN TARKO-SALE

GDR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

22-A, Pobedy Street, 629850, Tarko-Sale, Purovsky 
District, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region, Russia

OFFICE IN MOSCOW

2, Udaltsova Street, 119415, Moscow, Russia

The Bank of New York Mellon 
Depositary Receipts 
101 Barclay Street, 22W, New York, NY 10286, USA
New York +1 212 815 4158
London +44 207 163 7512
Moscow +7 495 967 3110

CENTRAL INFORMATION SERVICE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

Tel: +7 495 730-6000
Fax: +7 495 721-2253
E-mail: novatek@novatek.ru

PRESS SERVICE

Tel: +7 495 721-2207
E-mail: press@novatek.ru

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Tel: +7 495 730-6013
E-mail: ir@novatek.ru

REGISTRAR

JSC "IRC-R.O.S.T."
18/13 Stromynka Street, Moscow 
Russia 107996
Tel: +7 495 989-7650
Fax: +7 495 780-7367
E-mail: info@nrcreg.ru

AO PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit
White Square Office Center, Butyrsky Val 10,
125047 Moscow, Russia
Tel: +7 495 967-6000
Fax: +7 495 967-6001

INDEPENDENT RESERVES AUDITOR

DeGolyer and MacNaughton
5001 Spring Valley Road, Suite 800, East Dallas
Texas 75244, USA
Tel: +1 214 368-6391
Fax: +1 214 369-4061
E-mail: degolyer@demac.com 

WEBSITE:

www.novatek.ru (Russian version)
www.novatek.ru/en/ (English version)

Annual Report 2018