Exploration and production of hydrocarbons in Abkhazia were discussed in the Public Chamber

The meeting discussed geological exploration work carried out by Rosneft and Apsny-oil companies.

Sukhum. February 6. Apsnypress. The RA Public Chamber held a meeting on the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in Abkhazia, which was attended by Economy Minister Adgur Ardzinba, Director of the Institute of Ecology Roman Dbar, parliamentarians.
 
 In particular, the meeting discussed geological exploration work carried out by Rosneft and Apsny-Oil companies in Abkhazia.
 
 Speaking about the work of the oil companies Rosneft and Apsny-oil in Okum village, Roman Dbar said: “Survey work involves not only the detection of hydrocarbons, but also environmental surveys of the flora, fauna and topography of the Black Sea bottom. Such studies will bring great benefits for the ecology of Abkhazia. This amount of data will allow us to present a picture of changes in the ecosystem. All these data come to the Institute of Ecology, which allows you to monitor the ecological state of the shelf. Our country does not have sufficient resources to conduct such research, so their value is invaluable. Regarding the benefits of exploration in Okum. On the territory of Abkhazia there are four wells drilled during the Soviet era. They represent a great danger to the environment because they have not been mothballed properly. All these wells should be checked, there should be made passports for them. If they do not have oil reserves, they must be eliminated. Our state does not have such opportunities and resources. Most of the wells have poor-quality raw materials, which, when bottled, can cause significant environmental damage. ”
 
 For his part, Adgur Ardzinba explained: “In 2014, there was signed an agreement on exploration and production of oil with the company Apsny-oil, the founder of which is the Russian company Apsny-groups. At this stage, geological exploration operations are underway to determine the quantity and quality of oil reserves. If there is a reasonable need in society to identify the persons behind this company, then it is necessary to contact the State Security Service of Abkhazia or the Prosecutor General's Office. ”
 
 At the same time, the minister stressed: “Within the framework of project implementation, Abkhazia will receive from 15 to 25% of tax deductions from oil production, plus a tax on profits, a tax on property and personal income. The Ministry of Economy is not engaged in the justification and analysis of the need for oil production in Abkhazia. We support any investments, and the government and environmentalists are engaged in justifying the feasibility of oil production. "
 
 The deputies Almas Jopua and Raul Lolua spoke about the results of their own study of the activities of Apsny-Oil Company and its founder Apsny Groups. According to them, they came to the conclusion that the companies are fictitious one-day micro-companies with a loss-making budget and an infinite number of founders. Consequently, it is impossible to trust the exploration and production of oil to such dubious companies.
 
 At the same time, MP Givi Kvarchia stressed: “There was held a meeting of the Committee of the Parliament overseeing the country's natural resources, it was decided to organize a meeting of the Committee involving all interested parties, including representatives of Apsny-Oil company with the current and former CEOs Kama Ashuba and Kristina Ozgan. As a result, it is planned to create a parliamentary commission on this issue. ”