Russia's gas monopoly OAO Gazprom (GAZP.RS) said Tuesday its board has asked the firm's management to favor Russian suppliers over foreign ones, as has been proposed by the country's economy ministry.
The board has decided that 15% will be added to the prices of goods and services tendered by foreign companies and that they will only be able to win a tender if the final price is below that of a Russian competitor.
Gazprom said it will not accept goods or services if the country of their origin isn't disclosed.
The changes will remain in effect until the end of 2010, Gazprom said.
Earlier Tuesday, the company's board approved an anti-crisis financial strategy, aimed at keeping enough cash flow, which it said will enable financing of its major projects.