The Russian
pipe producer Vyksa Steel Works (Vyksa), a part of United Metallurgical Company (OMK), decreased its
pipe output by 26.2 percent year on year to 226,455 metric tons in January-February 2008.
Specifically, as regards large diameter
pipe production, Vyksa reported a 36.5 percent drop in its output to 109,420 metric tons year on year in the first two months of 2008.
According to OMK President Mr. Vladimir Markin, the reduction in demand for large diameter pipes and also for medium diameter pipes in the oil and gas industry has occurred in connection with the completion of a number of pipeline projects and due to the postponement of the beginning of new ones.