Russia says it will raise its oil quality to the international ‘Brent’ standard for the world`s largest pipeline project, the E.S.P.O. Experts say that could bring Russian producers millions of dollars more in profit. Russia`s Energy Ministry wants to ban producers of lower quality crude from the East Siberian Pacific Ocean pipeline. Construction to the Chinese border`s due to finish this week, and for Russia`s quality producers that will make a big difference, according to Pavel Sorokin, Analyst at Unicredit Securities. "Tatneft, Bashneft plus companies in the Volga-Urals region producing the heavier oil will suffer a big hit because they will have to search for alternative routes. For the companies which will participate in the ESPO and the offshoot to China, it`s a significant step that should allow them to earn an extra $2 to $3 a barrel." With ESPO capacity to China at 600,000 barrels a day, that`s an extra $600 million a year for Russian oil firms. Dmitry Lukashov, Executive director at UBS says Asia`s energy deficit could mean it`s even more. "Any oil traded on the Asian market usually is traded at a premium to European markets." Russian energy officials say improving quality can compensate falling production for the world`s number two oil producer.