Russ Oil-Gas

RBC, 20.06.2008, Moscow 16:25:27.Gazprom Neft is looking at the possibility of acquiring production and refining assets abroad in an urge to expand its oil processing business, the company's President Alexander Dyukov told the annual general meeting. Dyukov did not specify the exact locations, but confessed that the company was interested in all the three major export directions: Bourgas, Primorsk and the eastern direction (ESPO). In addition, Gazprom Neft is interested in some projects in Iraq, Venezuela and Africa. Dyukov noted that the company's priority areas will be set forth in its development strategy until 2020, which is to be finalized this year. When asked about the possibility of asset swaps, Dyukov said that in theory such an option was possible, but he was not aware of any such talks. He assumed that Gazprom would most likely want to retain control over Gazprom Neft.