MOSCOW 's Russian gas pipeline company Transneft has no plans to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline to Lithuania, according to a report in the Russian press.
Transneft has always claimed that the pipeline, which was shut down in July 2006, had suffered serious damage in western Russia. Others believe that this is simply an excuse used to shut down the pipeline permanently without having to give a more awkward explanation.
Russian pipeline monopoly Transneft has no interest in repairing the Lithuania branch of its Druzhba oil pipeline and may not get round to doing so, , AFX said.
Russian newspaper RBC reported last week that a repair programme recommended by Russian regulator Rostekhnadzor as been turned down as Transneft "has other priorities" according to deputy chairman Sergei Grigoriev.
