DAVOS, January 23 (RIA Novosti) - The decision on whether Novatek should be allowed to become an independent exporter of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) may be made until late Febuary, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said on Wednesday.

Dvorkovich, who is in charge of Russia’s oil and gas industry, told journalists on the sidelines of the Davos forum that the government is yet to consider Novatek’s bid.

“There are various options,” he said. “The energy ministry believes that the decision can be made until late February, so this may be possible.”

Gazprom holds a government-granted monopoly on Russia’s natural gas exports and other companies have to sing export contracts with the gas giant. Last year, Russia's largest independent gas producer Novatek requested the authorities to be allowed to export LNG independently.