Rosneft and BP have agreed to develop subsoil resources within the Kharampurskoe and Festivalnoye licence areas of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug in northern Russia, with total geological reserves exceeding 880 bcm of gas.

The project envisages the development of the traditional gas reserves of the Cenomanian deposit, pilot production and subsequent full-scale development of the Turonian deposit as well as oil production optimization and efficiency.

Rosneft will hold a majority stake of 51% and BP will hold 49%. Produced oil and gas will be marketed by Rosneft.

Completion of the deal will be subject to a number of regulatory approvals.

The signed agreement is an important step forward in the development of global gas cooperation between Rosneft and BP.

Commenting on the agreement, Igor Sechin, Rosneft CEO noted: "Rosneft and BP will make joint efforts to develop new deposits, including those containing tight gas. Our companies have all the necessary competencies and experience to effectively implement such complicated projects."

David Campbell, President BP Russia, said: “We are pleased to further enhance our cooperation with our partner Rosneft, starting a new gas project in addition to our existing joint projects which cover oil production and exploration.”

About Rosneft

Rosneft is the leader of Russia’s petroleum industry and the world’s largest publicly traded petroleum company. Company’s main activities include prospecting and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits, oil, gas and gas-condensate production, upstream offshore projects, processing, as well as oil, gas, and product marketing in Russia and abroad. The Company is included in the list of strategic companies and organizations of Russia. Company’s largest shareholder (69.50% of the equity) is ROSNEFTEGAZ OJSC, fully owned by the Russian Government, while BP holds 19.75% of shares, one share belongs to the state represented by Federal Agency for State Property Management, whereas the remaining shares are free floating.

About BP

BP (NYSE:BP) is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, serving millions of customers every day in more than 80 countries, and employing nearly 85,000 people. BP's business segments are oil and gas exploration & production, and refining & marketing. In alternative energies, BP has low- and no-carbon wind and biofuels businesses. Through these activities, BP provides fuel for transportation; energy for heat and light; services for motorists; and petrochemicals products for plastics, textiles and food packaging. It has strong positions in many of the world's hydrocarbons basins and strong market positions in key economies.