OREANDA-NEWS. June 5, 2012. TNK-BP announces the start of production of environmentally compliant Euro-5 diesel at Saratov Refinery (SNPZ, part of TNK-BP Group of companies).

As part of the program to start production of high quality diesel with improved environmental qualities, TNK-BP has carried out reconstruction of diesel hydrotreater L-24-6 at Saratov Refinery. It allowed to reduce sulfur content of produced diesel to the minimum level which correspond to Euro-5 standard.

According to Konstantin Gusarov, SNPZ Executive Director, by the year end Saratov Refinery plans to construct isomerization unit with annual throughput of 300 thousand tons, and to launch production of class 5 gasoline. “TNK-BP is implementing a large-scale program of revamping of its refining assets. It is aimed at increasing conversion rate and enhancing fuel quality. By launching production of environmentally sound Euro-5 diesel of higher quality, we can significantly reduce the impact of vehicles on environment”, he said.

TNK-BP is Russia’s third largest oil company and is owned by BP and the AAR consortium (Alfa Group/Access Industries/Renova) on a parity basis. Additionally, TNK-BP owns approximately 50% of the Russian oil and gas company Slavneft. TNK-BP’s share in Russia’s oil production (including its share in Slavneft) is about 16%. The Company’s total proved SEC LOF reserves are 9.115 billion BOE as of December 31, 2011.

References to “TNK-BP” or “the Group” mean “TNK International and the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries” unless the context requires a different reading.