/IRBIS, April 5, 00/ - ITAR TASS cites the General director of the Karachaganak integrated organization (KIO) John Morrow. It has informed on Wednesday the deputies of Kazakhstan Parliament that during 2-3 years investments in Karachaganak field (Western Kazakhstan) development will make about $2.5 billion. It will result in magnification of staff from 5,500 to 10,000. At the expense of investments, condensate production for 2 years will increase from present 3-4 millions tons a year to 9 million tons. Project of 635 km pipeline from the field to the pipeline Atyrau-Samara is developed.

KIO includes (Italy; 32.5%), British Gas (England; 32.5%), Texaco (USA; 20%) and LUKOJL (Russia; 15%). The Company began operation in Kazakhstan in 1995. KIO already invested in field development more than $800 million dollars.

Karachaganak reserves make 300 million tons of petroleum and condensate and more than 500 billion cube м of natural gas.