Russia may liberalize shelf access if state firms break terms

MOSCOW, Apr 27 (PRIME) -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Khloponin plans to submit a proposal to the government to provide access to shelf development to private companies if state firms fail to fulfill their obligations on updated licenses, he told reporters Wednesday.

“Today there are no other decisions besides that only state companies can develop the shelf. But then if after the license’s update we see that the conditions are not fulfilled, we reserve the right, this is our negotiations’ position, to submit proposals to the president and the government to give access to shelf to private companies. We are holding talks both with the government and large companies,” he said.

“If they continue missing license deadlines, which have been approved, we will consider inviting other, private, companies to the shelf development,” he said.

Only oil major Rosneft and gas giant Gazprom meet the current government’s criteria for shelf deposit development admission but private oil company Lukoil earlier asked authorities to liberalize the legislation.

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