Russia can divide Venezuela with China

As it became known, Lukoil has had problems with withdrawal from the National oil consortium in Venezuela. It was assumed that Rosneft, which consolidated 60% of the consortium, would buy the company’s share. But, according to unofficial information, Lukoil estimated its 20% in NOC at $212 million (the Surgutneftegaz’ package of the same amount was bought at this price), and Rosneft, which Head Igor Sechin was initiator of the project, is ready to pay no more than $100 million. As a result, Lukoil started negotiations with the third party investors, and the Chinese company CNOOC is the most real pretender, the Komemrsant writes.

Lukoil continues to try to withdraw from the National Oil Consortium, which works at the Venezuelan field Hunin-6, sources that are familiar with the situation told. In late November, the sources explain, the company notified the NOC that it was going to sell its 20% to the third party investors. Lukoil stated to the NOC that it negotiated with the Norwegian company Statoil, the French company Total, the Chinese companies Sinopec and CNOOC, the Korean company KNOC, the Indian company ONGC, the American company Chevron and the Russian companies Zarubezhneft and Bashneft. According to sources, the most real pretender is CNOOC. Lukoil declined to comment.