PRESS: Lukoil, Novatek may acquire stakes in Gazprom Neft’s fields

MOSCOW, Feb 13 (PRIME) -- Russian oil company Gazprom Neft has started discussing with oil major Lukoil and independent gas producer Novatek an acquisition of stakes in the Neptune and Triton fields on the shelf of the Sea of Okhotsk, Kommersant business daily reported on Thursday quoting sources.

Two sources told the business daily that the companies are on consultations over the matter, but prospects of the partnership are unclear.

Gazprom Neft First Deputy CEO Vadim Yakovlev said previously that the company was discussing partnerships with other investors, including Royal Dutch Shell. Kommersant reported that the Russian company was interested in partnership with Shell in the first place, because it is familiar with the region and has necessary competences for shelf development.

Lukoil CEO Vagit Alekperov said in December 2019 that the company was negotiating a shelf partnership with Gazprom Neft, but did not disclose possible projects. Novatek is focused on production of natural gas and has no shelf projects, but wants to gain experience in that, the business daily reported.

Gazprom Neft, Lukoil, and Novatek declined to comment. Recoverable reserves of the Neptune and Triton field amount to 70 million tonnes of oil and 45 million tonnes of oil, respectively.

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