Contributed by: Robert Amsterdam (http://www.robertamsterdam.com/) -

The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service wants to ban oil companies from buying and building gas stations in regions where they have at least 35% of the market, to restore the balance for independent gas station owners who are slowly losing their retail market lead.  Venezuela has approved a joint development project with Russia on Junin 6, a major oilfield in the Orinoco oil belt.  The Nord Stream pipeline project has unearthed a series of centuries-old shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea.  Yulia Latynina compares US and Russian gas extraction figures, and concludes that Russia's best move would be to abandon attempts to 'gain control of Europe with the help of gas pipelines', and develop its own chemical industry instead.  ITAR-TASS comments on progress made during recent meetings between Rosatom and France's EDF on a possible joint venture.  Construction starts tomorrow on Transneft's $1.34 billion Purpe-Samotlor pipeline link, which will help secure crude supplies from Russia to China. International Power explains the reasons for the fall-through of its deal with GDF Suez.  Chevron will cut another 2,000 jobs this year in Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America.

About Robert Amsterdam (http://www.robertamsterdam.com/) Robert Amsterdam is a lawyer and an advocate for rule of law. His blog was created to express views which may stimulate debate and discussion on topics of international interest. Robert believes that we live in a world of unchallenged impunity, and he views his blog as merely a small attempt to shine a light on issues he views as important in countries with which he is engaged. He make no apologies or pretense of objectivity - he is merely stating his opinions.