Russian audit chamber says ’significant’ violations at Total oil project

France’s Total SA had committed “significant” environmental violations at an Arctic oil and gas development, Russia’s financial watchdog said Monday, according to news reports.

Foreign-controlled energy projects have come under increasing pressure from the Kremlin in recent months as it pursues a drive to secure majority state control in major oil and gas fields.

Sergei Stepashin, the head of Russia’s Audit Chamber, also said that Total was behind schedule developing the Kharyaga field, and oil production targets were not being met.
“Consequently, this is resulting in a shortfall in revenue to the budget of the Russian Federation at various levels,” Interfax quoted him as saying.

A Total spokeswoman said the company had no immediate comment.

International Herald Tribune