Russia’s gas monopoly Gazprom has said it’s interested in buying a stake in the TNK-BP oil company, but only after the present dispute has been resolved. The Russo-British joint venture is split by a dispute among the shareholders.
The Russian shareholders, known as the AAR consortium: Alfa Group, Access Industries and Renova, have called for the resignation of TNK-BP boss Robert Dudley. AAR has claimed he represents the interests of BP only. In its turn, BP has said the Russians have violated their shareholder agreement. Both sides say talks are in progress on finding a solution. Speaking at BP’s London headquarters, Tony Hayward has said the Russian and British sides are continuing with talks, but that the dispute is far from being settled. Hayward could not say when a compromise might be reached.