Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom has postponed its decision on which companies will be chosen for participation in the development of the Shtockman gas field until May.
The favourites, Norway's Hydro and Statoil are both competing for a share in the contract.
Gazprom export chief Alexandr Medvedev confirms that the decision on who will become Gazprom's partners has been postponed from April until May.
It had earlier been expected that the decision would be announced this week.
Gazprom has earlier announced that French Elf, the US companies ConocoPhillips and Chevron, in addition to the two Norwegian companies, are fighting to become Gazprom's partner in the Barents Sea.
Medvedev also says that Gazprom plans to pick two or three partners, but that the company will not permit any of the competing companies to cooperate and present a joint bid.
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Gazprom Still Uncertain On Shtokman Partners
Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom has postponed its decision on which companies will be chosen for participation