Adrian Volintiru, Romgaz’s general manager, told G4Media.ro that Lukoil wants to sell its stake in the EX-30-Trident perimeter in the Black Sea, where the Romanian state-owned company and the Russian company are partners.

Lukoil sent a letter to several players in the oil and gas market. “I received this letter from Lukoil. We will have a discussion with them, we don’t know their reasons yet,” Adrian Volintiru said. Asked if it is possible for Romgaz to discuss with Lukoil to take over the participation in the Trident perimeter, the general manager of Romgaz said that “theoretically it is possible to discuss”.

Lukoil sent a letter signed by Andrey Kupriyanov, manager of geological assets, informing that he intends to sell his 87.8% stake in the Trident deposit concession. Romgaz holds a 12.2% stake in the concession.

Lukoil’s decision came amid the spring failure to confirm natural gas reserves in the Trident field. A well drilled by the Italian company Saipem did not confirm the optimistic forecasts regarding the hydrocarbon reserves.

In addition, Lukoil also delayed a final investment decision on Trident due to the offshore law.