OREANDA-NEWS. October 23, 2014. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) issued a warning to Deputy Vice-President – Director of the Department for Transport, Record Keeping and Quality of Oil Products of “Transneft” AK” OJSC, Nazarov, the actions which can lead to violating the antimonopoly law are unacceptable.

On 25th September 2014, “Samootlor-Express” Oil-and Gas Information Agency published a statement of Deputy Vice-President – Director of the Department for Transport, Record Keeping and Quality of Oil Products of “Transneft” AK” OJSC, Nazarov, that “Transneft” AK” OJSC intends to accept only euro-5 diesel fuel in its system of oil-product pipelines from 1.01.2015. According to Mr. Nazarov, Samara Oil Refinery Group will be an exception; its diesel fuel will be pumped without hurting other producers.

Clause 7.4 of No.826 Decision of the Commission of the Customs Union “On Adopting Technical Regulations of the Customs Union “On Requirements to Motor and Aviation Gasoline, Diesel Fuel, Marine Fuel, Jet Aircraft Fuel and Residual Oil” of 18.10.2011, prohibits issuing in circulation and circulating diesel fuel of К3 environmental class within the common space of the Customs Union. The prohibition is valid in the Russian Federation from 1 January 2015. Releasing of diesel fuel of К4 environmental class into the stream of commerce and circulating it in the Russian Federation is allowed until December 2015. Releasing of diesel fuel of К3 environmental class into the stream of commerce and circulating it is not restricted.

Therefore, according to FAS, the intention of “Transneft” AK” OJSC to accept only euro-5 diesel fuel in its system of oil-product pipelines from 1.01.2015, except Samara Oil Refinery Group, can result in violating Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition”.