Eastern branch of KazTransOil increased oil transportation in first quarter of 2001

/IRBIS, Apr 3, 01/ - REUTERS informs, with the reference to the director of eastern branch of KazTransOil, Baikadam Djumagaliev, that the eastern branch of the company increased oil transportation up to 1.781 mln tons in January-March 2001, from 1.438 mln in similar period of last year. He says that oil supplies to Pavlodar and Shymkent refineries have also increased during this period, with the former receiving 479.7 th tons against 237.6 th tons in similar period of last year, and the latter - 1.301mln tons against 1.200 mln tons. The increase to Pavlodar refinery was due to a change of the owners, and to Shymkent refinery was due to an increase in oil production at Kumkol field, was added. Pavlodar refinery is said to have been under a concession of the American CCL Oil since 1997 with the option of subsequent repurchase. However, the contract was cancelled by the government because the investor did not meet its obligations such as falling short of loading capacity, and the plant was given to Mangistaumunaigas JSC on account of previous debts. In December of last year the plant management made a decision to give 49% stake in the company to the government, while the other 51% is owned by Mangistaumunaigas JSC, is said. He mentioned that the refinery received oil from Russia on a substitution scheme, whereas Mangistaumunaigas JSC supplies its oil through Atyrau- Samara and Kenkyak-Orsk. This month the loading of the Pavlodar refinery should be at 250,000 tons, while projected capacity of the plant is 7.5 mln tons a year, and 7.0 mln tons a year for Shymkent refinery. KazTransOil is said to have 3 branches: Western, Eastern and Aktobe. Announced authorized capital of the company was at KZT19.406 mln as of July 1, 2000 and the only shareholder and founder is the government of Kazakhstan.