Energy In Brief: CEZ to enter Poland; Naftoport; PGNiG & VNG

The concern has already earmarked EUR 3 billion for potential investments in the region, said CEZ merger director Vladimir Schmalz.(Parkiet p. 5) ... During a a recent meeting of the Sejm Treasury Commission deputies prepared plans of reacquiring the 3.8% stake in Naftoport that was previously owned by J&S. This step would once again give the state absolute majority control over the enterprise. The stake would eventually be transferred to PERN, which represents the Treasury and affiliated companies. It has been argued that this is necessary for the diversification of oil deliveries to secure the logistics structure. (Puls Biznesu p. 15) ... Polish Oil & Gas (PGNiG) and VNG signed an agreement yesterday on the creation of two companies that would service the planned gas pipe that would join Poland to the Western European gas pipeline system by the end of 2006. (Puls Biznesu p. 13, Parkiet p. 4) E.B.