<p>Industry publication PetrolWorld reported that Yukos' creditors have decided to auction off the company's 1,135-strong service station network in a single lot, with an opening price of $296 million. <br /><br />Kommersant has reported that, at the same time, the Samara group of assets will be put up for auction. The assets, which are expected to go for a total of $6 billion, include the Samaraneftegaz extraction facility, three oil refineries, two gas refineries and Yukos' other assets in the region. <br /><br />Kommersant reported that, while the retail network and Samara bundle will be auctioned on May 10, 2007, Yukos' Moscow headquarters will be auctioned the following day. The publication added that, once the sales have been completed, Yukos' remaining asset will be a 49% stake in Slovak pipeline firm Transpetrol.<br /><br />According to Kommersant, industry analysts fully expect Russian oil giant Rosneft to purchase the Samara assets and the retail network. Kommersant added that the state-owned company has recently voiced its aim to expand its retail network in Moscow, but may face competition in its acquisition attempt from Russian oil company Gazprom Neft.</p>
