21.   Tengiz is dependent on the Russian pipeline network for export access, but authorities in Moscow frequently have been unwilling to boost shipments through the overburdened system.

22.   The crude will be transported to the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossisk via the Baku-Novorossisk pipeline operated by Russian pipeline monopoly Transneft.

23.   The first oil from Azerbaijan started flowing through a Russian pipeline last fall.

24.   The first production oil from Azerbaijan started flowing through a limited capacity Russian pipeline last fall.

25.   The so-called early oil is to go through the Russian pipeline, as well as via a pipeline across Georgia, which is expected to be ready next year.

26.   Ukrainian gas officials, meanwhile, admitted some in their country are compensating by siphoning gas from Russian pipelines leading to other parts of Europe.

27.   The Russian pipeline project was formalized in an agreement signed in January, but the Georgian project has been held up while the sides look for financing.

28.   Russia proposed in September cutting taxes levied on oil shipped through its territory if Azerbaijan agreed to transport all its output through Russian pipelines.