Large oil companies fined for over-norm burning associated gas

ASTANA. January 16. KAZINFORM /Kurmat Samarkhan/ Today at an enlarged session of the board of the Ecology Ministry Chairman of the Committee on Ecological Regulation and Control Murat Rakhimbergenov has said the Ministry conducted huge systematic work on prevention of violation of environmental legislation in oil and gas sector of the country, Kazinform reports.

?In 2008 for over-norm burning associated gas ?Karachaganak Petroleum Operating BV? was imposed a KZT 1.8 bln fine. ?Tengizshevroil? has paid KZT 1 mln, ?Kazgermunai? ? KZT 8 bln, ?Kazakhoil Aktobe? ? over KZT 4 bln and ?SNPS-Aktobemunaigaz? ? KZT 767 mln?, M. Rakhimbergenov said. As the Chairman of the Committee noted, the new Environmental Code provided for increased penalty rates for emission of pollutants from associated gas burning. In addition, local representative bodies are authorized to raise these rates by 20 times. ?These measures should stimulate natural resources users to fulfill the programs on gas utilization more efficiently?, M. Rakhimbergenov concluded.