Lukoil moves into western Europe

The Lithuanian news portal Delfi expresses concern about the Russian oil concern's acquisition of a stake in the Italian oil refinery Isab di Priolo: "This is not only Russia's biggest investment in Italy, it is also the first time that Lukoil has succeeded in becoming the owner of a west European company. Lukoil Vice President Leonid Fedun declared himself that the Sicilian oil company would be its base in the Mediterranean and the Balkans, for Lukoil already has refineries in Romania and Bulgaria. ... The Russian press is already predicting that the Polish company PKN Orlen may pass into Russian hands, and if it does our refinery in Mazeikiai would also become Russian property. ... If we are not to become part of the Russian base in Europe we must rely largely on Poland, but a little on ourselves too."

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