Gazprom discusses a possibility of working at the shelf with Lukoil

​Gazprom OJSC is negotiating with Lukoil OJSC upon a possible work of companies at a number of sites at the shelf of Russia, a member of Gazprom’s Board, V. Cherepanov, said.

“Among the companies Lukoil has experience of working in the water area of the Caspian and Baltic Seas. We invite them to participate in our shelf projects as partners. We offer a number of blocks and sites where Lukoil has an opportunity to participate in our projects”, Mr. Cherepanov said.

The legislation of Russia currently restricts a number of companies having the access to working at the shelf. Only the controlled by the Government companies with at least 5 years of experience of working at the shelf have the access. In fact only Gazprom and Rosneft are allowed to work at the shelf. Rosneft signed agreements with foreign partners on joint development of the sites of the shelf. Lukoil stood for the liberalization of the access to the shelf and issue of licenses to private companies.