Energy Minister comments on furnace oil exports

Some 54 percent of the total volume of Russian furnace oil production hasbeen exported in 2002, Energy Minister Igor Yusufov, declared at a briefingafter today's government meeting devoted to preparations for thefall-winter season. According to the Minister, this has been the highestgrowth over the past five years. Yusufov stressed that regions had funds tobuy furnace oil for the heating season. However, they are waiting for themoment when prices for this kind of fuel drop..