Energy Blast – March 2, 2010

Russian coal producer Kuzbass Fuel is considering an initial public offering to fund plans to double output, which would be the first in Russia’s energy coal sector.  Ecologists protesting the reopening of the Baikal paper mill, believing that it will cause toxic waste to be dumped into Lake Baikal, say that they are receiving home visits from the police over their criticism of the project.  TNK-BP’s profits are falling, but reserves are up thanks to ‘better pricing or more effective geological work‘.  Gazprom and Gaz de France have signed a memorandum on the latter’s accession to the Nord Stream project, pledging to close the deal before construction begins on the pipeline.  Russia reduced its export duty on crude by $18 per ton yesterday.