Chevron close to Siberian oil deal

MOSCOW, June 21 (UPI) -- The oil division of Russian energy giant Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, is in talks with Western petrochemical firm Chevron to develop Siberian oil fields.

Gazprom Neft President Alexander Dyukov said Friday the joint deal covers oil fields in West Siberia, RIA Novosti reported. The pair signed an agreement, Severnaya Taiga Neftegaz, in November 2006 to operate in the region.

"We are negotiating another area in West Siberia, Russia. Although we have received no notification from Chevron on the issue, on the whole they are ready," Dyukov said.

Chevron expressed interest in developing further resources in Russia, though Gazprom blocked Chevron from a natural gas deal in the Arctic region in October.

The president said the oil division of Gazprom was also interested in developing offshore oil fields in the Barents and Kara Seas as well as other fields in Africa and Venezuela.