SOCAR interested in acquiring Turkish gas distribution network

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb.14 / Trend A.Taghiyeva / The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is interested in acquiring part of shares of the gas distribution network of Istanbul - IGDAS, SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev told journalists, Turkish Zaman newspaper reported on Tuesday. A tender for sale of shares in gas distribution network of Istanbul - IGDAS will begin in May 2012 after privatizing gas distribution company Baskent Dogal Gaz (Ankara), the company told Trend earlier. Some 90 percent of the shares were put up for sale in the tender, which was previously postponed several times. Both foreign and local companies can take part in the tender. Abdullayev said the company is also interested in participating in distribution of fuel in Turkey. "SOCAR receives proposals on this matter. At present, we are considering options for involvement in this project," he said. SOCAR is the only producer of oil products in the country (it has two refineries on its balance sheet) and also owns petrol stations in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine and Romania. SOCAR possesses a network of petrol stations in Switzerland. SOCAR is co-owner of the largest Turkish petrochemical complex Petkim. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az