VILNIUS - Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas said that Yukos, Russia's embattled oil company, may complete talks over the sale of 53.7 percent stake in Mazeikiu Nafta, the Baltics' only refinery, this summer.
"It is rather difficult to make precise forecasts. However, there are signals that the agreement might be reached in June," he said in an interview to the Ziniu Radijas radio station on May 19.
He confirmed rumors that several companies are interested in purchasing a majority stake in Mazeikiu Nafta, which includes the Butinge oil terminal, but declined to name them, citing confidentiality.
Russia's Lukoil is seen as the most prospective buyer, and unofficial sources have told the Baltic News Service that Lukoil, which might secure the supply of some 15 million tons of crude to Mazeikiu Nafta, might strike a deal with Yukos as early as July.
The list of prospective bidders may also include international oil giant Vitol, TNK-BP and another Russian company, sources said. The Lietuvos Rytas daily reported last week that a fierce fight for the stake is about to erupt.
Representatives from TNK-BP, Russia's second largest oil producer, recently visited Vilnius. Though they reportedly did not meet with government officials, they did show a strong interest in the country's investment climate and were looking for energy specialists.
Vladimir Ruga, vice president of TNK-BP, said the company is interested in buying the refinery, according to Lietuvos Rytas. "We are interested in expanding our business by acquiring new capacities. The concern is prepared to consider buying a stake in Mazeikiu Nafta if we see that this gives us some strategic advantage," he said.
