"Enel has obtained access to gas upstream in Russia, which enhances the security of energy supplies," he said.
It was reported earlier Wednesday that Eni won a 20%-stake in Gazprom Neft at a second auction of Yukos assets, offering 151.53 billion rubles ($5.83 billion). The starting price for the lot was 144.77 billion rubles ($5.57 billion), with the total worth of Yukos estimated at 709 billion rubles ($27.3 billion).
Once Russia's leading crude producer, Yukos was declared bankrupt in August.
"Eni gives Gazprom the right to purchase the 20% package of Gazprom Neft shares at any time within the next two years for $3.7 billion plus financing and operating costs," Eni said.
The statement added that Italy's Eni and Enel proposed that Gazprom buy 51% in Yukos assets bought at auction, also over two years.
Gazprom confirmed its intention to buy the assets. Gazprom's deputy CEO Alexander Medvedev said the gas holding should buy a 20% stake in Gazprom Neft and at least 51% of Yukos assets bought at action.
