4 Dec 2013 15:45

Ministry suggests stripping oil cos of breaks if in violation of E. Siberia licensing

MOSCOW. Dec 4 (Interfax) - Russia's Natural Resources Ministry has proposed that oil companies found to be in violation of production licenses in Eastern Siberia, have their concessions taken away, the ministry's head, Sergei Donskoi, told the press.

"There is a proposal to take a tougher line against those who violate license agreements, including by stripping them of concessions," he said.

This might help avoid the most severe punishment of all, which is revoking licenses. Donskoi said the proposals had been submitted to the government.