11 August 2003 06:35
Bartimpex May Not Complete Yamal Pipeline
The relationship between the Russian Gazprom, an oil and gas company, and Aleksander Gudzowaty's foreign trade company Bartimpex has worsened. The Russians are trying to eliminate the Polish company from the construction of the Yamal pipeline. However, if EuRoPol Gaz, partly controlled by the Russian concern, broke the contract, Bartimpex would receive huge compensation. The issue concerns the completion of the first Yamal pipeline from Russia via Belorussia and Poland to Germany. So far the pipeline has cost $1.5bn, but it may transport only 20bn cubic metres annually. For the construction of three compressors needed for the transport of 30bn cubic metres of gas a further $300 must be spent. However, in July two EuRoPol Gaz management members informed Bartimpex that they had withdrawn the proxy granted for the construction of the Yamal pipe. Bartimpex states there are no proxies Gazprom representatives are entitled to withdraw and threatens with a claim for compensation.
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