Speaking at an annual address to the government Putin said, “[Russia’s] officials [are] taking years to approve the plans for new pipelines. Ministers [must] approve crude oil export routes faster.”

Putin’s announcement comes on the back of criticism from state-run oil pipeline monopoly Transneft which has blasted the government for stalling on the construction of new pipelines. It should also please the US, which has long backed calls for new export routes to transport Russian exports. More Russian oil means less dependence on the Middle East for oil supplies.

The Russian president remained adamant about one thing, though. According to Putin, “The pipeline network will continue to be under state control.”