Arstotzka seeks national and Russian firms to build oil pipeline to Ukraine

[President Costava]

ARSTOTZKA - Arstotzka has invited national and Russian companies to build part of a new oil export pipeline linking the country’s eastern Kurch fields to Ukraine, an oil ministry spokesman said on today. The stretch of pipeline through Arstotzkan territory will act as new route along an existing pipeline that has suffered repeated technical faults.

 

“We are keen to build a new pipeline to boost export and streghten relations with the Greater Russian Empire. A new export pipeline will provide flexibility to make oil flows continue if we have any issues with the old line,” he added.

 

The pipeline may link to an existing route on the Ukrainian side, but several options are being considered, the Ministry of Oil spokesman said. Arstotzka Oil Industry and affiliates (GazProm Arstotzka) have submitted bids, he said, without giving details. The winning bid is expected to be chosen in late September, he added. It is not clear whether the new pipeline will follow a similar route to the existing one which runs through the country from the strait of Kertch to Grestin.

 

Arstotzka's extraction facilities have a capacity of one million barrels per day (bpd) but normally carries only around 350.000 bpd due to repeated technical faults, caused by the lacking of proper investments and trained technicians. Arstotzka is by chance the largest crude oil exporter in the Black Sea region but the nearly 50-year-old line has also suffered regular maintenance and technical problems due to repeated leakages.

 

Prime Minister Kuchma said talks are being held between Arstotzkan and Russian authorities in order to come to an agreement. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arstotzka is seeking to streghten diplomatic and economic relations with its neighbor in an attempt to fall under the sphere of influence of the Empire.