Report: Italy may revise Lukoil's refinery sale

MOSCOW, Apr 10 (PRIME) – Italy is revising the sale of Isab refinery on Sicily owned by Lukoil to G.O.I. Energy after the U.S. expressed concern, the Financial Times reported on April 8 citing sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

The deal was to be closed on March 31, but G.O.I. Energy was accused of being financed or otherwise affiliated with Russia. The company denied the accusation saying that the investor structure consists of the citizens of Greece, Israel and Cyprus. Two sources with knowledge of the talks said that state was concerned with some of its aspects.

An Italian state official and a source close to G.O.I. Energy told the newspaper that the deal could be closed this week.

The refinery may lose fuel after the E.U. has introduced the sixth package of sanctions that includes a ban on Russian fuel imports on December 5 after which the Council of Ministers of Italy approved an order to bail the refinery out.

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