Energy Blast – Dec 29, 2008

The Ukraine natural gas crisis with Gazprom remains in crisis as a delegation from Kiev arrives in Moscow to negotiate – possible solutions may include future fees or even economic sanctions.  Bolivian Energy Minister Saul Avalos has told the Mexican media that initial investment from Russia in Bolivian gas fields will reach $4 million.  A Nigerian state oil official has said that the long-rumored Gazprom deal to invest a significant amount in oil and gas production in the country has failed to result in any deal.  Gazprom Neft has sealed up its acquisition of 51% of the Serbian state energy company NIS, while Alexander Medvedev has said that investment in Serbia could reach “$2.5 billion, if we are optimistic.”  Spanish bank La Caixa has said it will not sell its stake in Repsol to the Russian oil company Lukoil following fierce political opposition to keep the company in Spanish control – other reports indicate that Sacyr is still talking to Lukoil.