Russian oil major Rosneft has asked the government to cut oil pipeline monopoly Transneft’s tariffs for domestic oil and oil product transportation by 50% and decrease Russian Railways’ tariffs by 30%.
Rosneft asked this in August, while ministries were ordered to study the issue in September.
Representatives of Rosneft and Transneft declined to comment, representatives of the Finance Ministry and the Federal Antimonopoly Service did not respond. A Russian Railways representative said he knew nothing about Rosneft proposals. The Economic Development Ministry is not familiar with the proposal, but does not approve it.
A representative of the Energy Ministry confirmed getting a government order, but said the reduction of tariffs would lead to the lack of financing of Transneft’s investment projects. In addition, Transneft could delay launches of pipelines because of lower tariffs, which will have a negative impact on oil companies.
Rosneft spent 282 billion rubles, or 12% of revenue from refining and logistics and 14% of its entire expenditures, on transportation of oil and oil products in January-June. (Prime/Business World Magazine)
