Azeri oil price hits record high

The price on Azerbaijan’s oil has reached a record high of $54.48 a barrel in history, which is 2.2 times the figure envisioned by the 2005 state budget and twice the highest figure observed in 2004. However, the increase did not affect the oil exported through the Baku-Novorosiysk northern route, as this oil is sold 15-20% cheaper due to its mixing with Russian low-quality brand. The transportation tariffs for the oil exported along the northern pipeline are about five times higher than those for the Baku-Supsa route. OPEC producers have stated that no changes will be made to the export quota in the second quarter of 2005.