By the OGJ Online Staff
LONDON, Feb. 22�The Czech Republic Thursday became a full member of the International Energy Agency, bringing the Paris-based energy watchdog's membership to 25.
Robert Priddle, executive director of the IEA, said the Czech government had "deposited its instrument of accession with the Belgian government, committing itself to the 1974 Agreement on an International Energy Program."
"The Czechs have worked hard to reduce their former exclusive dependence on Russian oil and gas supplies," said Priddle. "They are improving their environment by gradually substituting gas for coal, and they are working toward price reform. Moreover, they have built up their oil stocks and now hold more than enough oil to cover the 90 days of net imports required under the IEP."
