Energy Blast – July 25, 2008

TNK-BP’s chief, Robert Dudley, has been “forced” to leave Russia after being unable to get his visa renewed. BP says the move comes as a result of “sustained harassment”. Viktor Vekselberg said BP had brought too many of its employees on loan to TNK-BP, failed to train Russians to replace them and paid the expatriates too much. A Russian government official says that the move will help to resolve the row. The Telegraph is reporting that Dudley has fled to a secret location over fears for his safety. Read Dudley’s personal statement here. Igor Sechin plans to visit China for high-level talks on oil and gas cooperation.