Economist Igor Astafiev tells about double standards of “big privatization”

The Deputy Fuel and Energy Minister Alexei Teksler has allowed himself for the first time to doubt that Bashneft will be privatized this year. "Anything is possible," - said the Deputy Minister, referring to the likelihood of a negative situation on the markets.

The question immediately arises, in whose name Mr. Teksler said: on behalf of the Bashneft’s Board of Directors, which he heads, or on behalf of the Russian Government. It seems that when the Government made a decision on the "big privatization", the situation on the markets was unlikely to be more positive than it is now. It is worth mentioning that in the first quarter of 2016, oil reached the minimum values ​​for the period of the protracted crisis that not only seriously affected the statements of such majors like BP and Shell (recorded a loss), but sharply pulled down quotes of all oil and gas companies. Nevertheless, the decision was made and justified with urgent budget needs.