Feasibility study on parallel Trans-Caspian oil and gas pipelines
Kazakhstan has signed an accord with major Western corporations on feasibility studies of parallel Trans-Caspian oil
and gas pipelines.
The accord was signed by Kazakh Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev and signatories of Shell and Mobil and
Chevron.
An US Energy Department official told that the accord envisions feasibility studies for the project of sea bottom oil
and gas pipelines to connect two Caspian coasts.
The pipelines are expected to run between western Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
In prospect, the oil to be transported by this route could be pumped into an export main for shipments to European
markets.
The gas would be also destined for Europe. The route of the export main, claimed by Russia, Georgia and Turkey, so
far remains uncertain.
Sources said the feasibility studies would take one year and would be funded by the signatory companies that are to
disburse $ 20 mm.
