Stalled PGNiG mine construction slows oil production

In investment plans presented to investors, PGNiG gave assurances that it would increase the production to 1.1 million tonnes by the end of 2008, mostly with oil from the MLG mine. Oil resources in region amount to 7.2 million tones, while gas resources come to 4.9 billion cubic meters.However, due the protests by the ABB consortium the court has annulled the tender for the mines construction. PGNiG representatives say that the decision of the court will not impact production forecasts of gas extraction, which will increase from the 4.3 to 5.5 billion cubic meters in 2008. "The production of gas will be increased by the use of other deposits, " explained Malgorzata Polkowska from PGNiG press office. The company has already begun organizing another tender for the mine's construction. (Puls Biznesu, p. 8) E.B.