Pipeliners

RBC, 17.11.2006, Moscow 15:12:28 – Bankruptcy of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is not likely, the head of the Federal Agency for Evergy (Rosenergo) Sergei Oganesian told journalists today. However, he finds it possible that the Consortium may face claims of violation of antitrust legislation. In answering a question about a possible expansion of the CPC's capacities, Oganesyan announced that the system could not be expanded before a decision on the Consortium's commercial block is made. He explained that the tariffs of oil transportation along the CPC pipeline should be raised to the highest possible mark of $38 per barrel, which would allow the Consortium to pay off its debts. The tariffs could be lowered later on. However, shareholders of the CPC, such as Chevron and ExxonMobil, object to the tariff increase. Oganesyan also said that the transfer of a 24-percent stake in the company to Transneft was being discussed. He considers it beneficial for both companies.