Amur gas deal set to boost China-Russia links

On the 2nd of September, the Financial Times reportedSIBUR’s intention to sign a deal with Gazprom for the supply of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to the Amur Gas Chemical Complex (GCC). These LPG supplies will, according to the article, will allow to increase the capacity of a planned plant aimed at the Chinese market by 80%. 
The author of the piece makes note of the fact that Amur GCC is one of the most important projects in ongoing development of Chinese-Russian relations. He also notes that Sinopec and Silk Road Fund both own a 10% stake in SIBUR.
The new deal increases the likelihood that Sibur and Sinopec, who signed an MOU in June regarding a potential joint venture based on the Amur GCC, will decide to build a larger plant than was originally planned. According to one of the newspaper’s sources, the cost of the project could grow from USD 7 billion to USD 10-11 billion. 
The Financial Times also notes that the final decision on the project is likely to depend on whether or not the Russian government imposes a negative excise duty on LPG. The LPG and ethane needed for the Amur GCC would be refined from the gas supplied to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline. The opening of the pipeline is due to take place in December, and it will be the first direct gas pipeline from Russia to China. 
Finally, the author notes that China will be the key market for Amur GCC's produce.