Caspian Pipeline Choice to Be Based on Tariff

Tariff levels will decide the winner of the contest to transport Caspian natural gas from the second phase of the Shah Deniz project.

Bob Dudley, Chief Executive of Shah Deniz consortium partner BP plc, said decision between the competing Nabucco West and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, would  be based purely on which option delivers the best returns.

"The rationale for the decision...will be purely economic," said Mr. Dudley.

A final investment decision on the winning Shah Deniz pipeline is scheduled in 2013, but could be decided by the end of this year, according to vice president of SOCAR.