Jonathan Kollek, TNK-BP vice-president for sales, said that 2008 would see a 6% reduction in the company's crude exports to 30.3 million metric tons (222 million barrels) alongside a 5% increase in crude supplies to Russian refineries to 10.8 million metric tons (79 million barrels).
Kollek also said pipeline exports would grow 59% to 29 million metric tons (213 million barrels) this year, and that the export of petroleum products would rise 13% due to the Russian taxation system's stimulation of oil refining inside the country.
Kollek said the company had extended long-term contracts with four long-standing customers on oil exports in 2009 and also signed contracts with two new clients. Next year, the joint venture also plans to increase oil deliveries to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, he said.
TNK-BP also believes oil transportation rates should be pegged to oil prices, Kollek said, adding that transportation charges should be reduced to bring down the cost of oil production.
