David Woodward: Export of Kazakh oil through BTC can commence in 2007

David Woodward, CEO of BP-Azerbaijan, has stated this at a press conference, Kazakhstan Today correspondent reports

According to him, currently "BTC Co" (operator for BTC pipeline construction and operations) is holding talks with a number of oil producers in Kazakhstan in order to attract them to the oil transportation by the BTC.

"There are four oil-producing companies operating in RK among the BTC shareholders. However currently we are holding talks with a number of oil producers in Kazakhstan in order to attract them to the oil transportation by the BTC and we expect that the negotiating process will be concluded in the nearest future. It will allow us to start transportation of oil via this pipeline already next year," Mr. Woodward said.

Speaking about the oil quality bank during the oil transportation by the BTC, the head of BP-Azerbaijan said that the blends with high sulphur content will not be pumped through it.

"As for the blends acknowledged as capable for the transportation, a special scheme will be applied according to which if some blend is lower in quality than Azeri Light, for instance, by 5%, then at the exit of oil in Ceyhan the shipper will get 5% less oil," he said.

Currently there are such companies as ENI, ConocoPhilli?s, In?ex, and Total among the BTC shareholders. These companies participate in Kashagan development. In relation with postponement of the commencement of this field development for 2008, the transit of Kazakh oil by the BTC pipeline was expected not earlier than 2008 - 2009.

/Kazakhstan today/