WASHINGTON, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chevron CEO David J. O'Reilly have discussed Chevron's participation in the development of the Shtokman natural gas field Friday. The sides discussed Chevron's selection for the second phase of the field's development, O'Reilly said adding that the company hailed this decision made by Gazprom, the Russian natural gas giant.
The meeting with the Russian president does not give Chevron any advantages over other companies that are on the Gazprom shortlist for the Shtokman gas field development, including the U.S.-based ConocoPhillips, the Chevron CEO said.
He added that it was a Gazprom prerogative to choose partners for the Shtokman project.
The Gazprom-operated Shtokman natural gas field is located in the Russian sector of the Barents Sea and is estimated to contain 3.2 trillion cubic meters of natural gas.
According to the Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry, the natural gas production at the Shtokman field on terms of a product sharing agreement may start in 2010.
