FORM 6-K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Issuer
August 04, 2006
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
The Securities and Exchange Act of 1934
OAO TATNEFT
(also known as TATNEFT)
(name of Registrant)
75 Lenin Street
Almetyevsk, Tatarstan 423450
Russian Federation
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40F.
Form 20-F...X.... Form 40-F......
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes....... No... X....
August 04, 2006
On August 3, 2006, OAO Tatneft issued the following press-release: Amendments to the Russian Tax Code Introducing Improved Mechanics for Calculation and Payment of Natural Resources Production Tax Approved 3 August 2006 On 28 July 2006, President Vladimir Putin signed the Federal Law "On Amendments in Chapter 26 of Part II of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Considering Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Expired" that was passed by the State Duma on 8 July 2006 and approved by the Federation Council on 14 July 2006. The law introduces a differentiated taxation of natural resources production that is tied to the level of depletion of reserves (discount will apply to oil fields with the depletion ratio above 80%). Differentiated taxation will allow OAO Tatneft and other companies producing oil at fields with high level of depletion to extend the term of economically viable production from such oil fields. According to evaluations of Tatneft's experts, oil production at Tatneft's largest oil field Romashkinskoye which is one of the oldest will be subject to the reduced rate (with application of the discount tied to depletion levels). In addition, the new law establishes zero tax rate for production of viscous (heavy) oil produced from resources containing oil with high viscosity over 200 cp (in layer conditions). Currently OAO Tatneft conducts active works for exploration of bitumen reserves on the territory of Tatarstan. Tests of technology for pilot production of bitumen whereby steam is pumped with horizontal pass through wells were conducted this year on Ashalchinsky oil field. According to certain evaluations, there are from 1.5 bln up to 7 bln tons (approximately from 10.8 up to 50.4 bln barrels) of natural bitumen in Tatarstan with average occurrence at 80 up to 200 meters (from 262.47 up to 656.17 feet). Zero rate for production of bitumen would significantly improve economics of production from such fields. The Federal Law "On Amendments in Chapter 26 of Part II of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Considering Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Expired" will come into effect on 1 January 2007. Forward-looking statements: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements of OAO Tatneft. OAO Tatneft can give no assurance that any of the events mentioned in such statements will occur, or as to the precise timing of their occurrence END
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
OAO TATNEFT
By: ____________________________________________________
Name:(Vladimir P. Lavushchenko)
Title:
(Deputy General Director for Economics, Chairman of Disclosure Committee)
Date: August 04, 2006