Eni joins BP in flagging contamination in Azerbaijani oil

Italian energy major Eni has confirmed the presence of organic chlorides in some cargoes of Azerbaijani crude received at its refineries, the company told Bloomberg following internal checks.

While such compounds are used in enhanced oil recovery, they pose risks to refinery equipment if concentrations are too high.

Eni said the crude already in its system will be processed safely in line with environmental and technical standards.

The BTC pipeline, managed by BTC Co. under BP’s leadership, remains the key export route for BTC Blend crude, with average shipments of 575,000 barrels per day.

Following the contamination, Azerbaijani crude is currently being sold at the lowest prices seen in four years.

N.Tebrizli