You're reading: Russia opens pipeline to deliver gas to Sochi

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia has inaugurated a gas pipeline that cost about $1.1 billion to supply facilities of the 2014 Winter Olympics in the Black Sea resort of Sochi and nearby areas with cheap energy.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited Sochi Monday to take part in the ceremony.

While Russia is one of the world’s largest gas producers, most of its Black Sea coast has had no access to piped gas until now and had to rely on fuel oil and liquefied natural gas for their energy needs.

Putin said at the televised ceremony that the pipeline will bring gas to 250,000 customers in the area.

The 106-mile (171-kilometer) pipeline running underwater along the coast is designed to be the backbone of energy supply for infrastructure of the Winter Olympics.