If the cold weather in Ukraine continues, the country could be shortage of natural gas. In this case, “Naftogaz” can start to buy fuel from Russia, said the head of the company Andrey Kobelev.
MOSCOW, 18 Jan. Ukraine may resume the purchase of Russian gas, if the cold weather will Deplete local stocks, said the head of the company “Naftogaz of Ukraine” Andrey Kobelev.
“When we need gas, we may ask for quotations from sellers; it all depends on who offers the best price. At the moment, Russian gas is much more expensive. There is a huge difference” — quoted his statement to journalists in Brussels Bloomberg.
KOBOLEV noted that if cold weather in the country continues, Ukraine could be shortage of natural gas. Then “Naftogaz” to buy fuel from Russia. “We do not expect that this will happen in January,” he added. KOBOLEV also said that the Ukrainian side does not see any risk of disruption of Russian gas transit to Europe. The transit of Russian natural gas to Europe through Ukraine remained stable.
“We have a fairly large underground storage, 20% more. Domestic consumption decreased, and the storage increased. We feel more comfortable. We do not see any risk on our part,” said the head of “Naftogaz”. In early January, “Naftogaz” announced that will purchase the EBRD funds in the EU from December 2015 to March 2016, about 1.7 billion cubic meters of gas at 188-211 dollars per thousand cubic meters.
The winners were Noble Clean Fuels, Engie SA, Axpo Trading AG, E. ON Global Commodities SE and Eni trading & shipping SpA. The winners were chosen on the criterion of the lowest price. “Naftogaz” also contractual gas on the European market.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk had previously expressed the view that Kiev will be able to pass the current winter without gas purchases from Russia due to accumulation of gas reserves in underground storage facilities and the procurement of fuel in Europe. Later, on 10 January, he stated that Ukraine will not buy gas from Russia at the proposed price in 212,23 dollars per thousand cubic meters, because in Europe she buys cheaper.
Read more about gas supplies to Ukraine in the plot >>
