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Russia-Ukraine gas dispute

Gazprom informs EC official on transit risks for European customers on Ukraine territory

Ukraine’s Naftogas acquires less gas than agreed by Brussels deals, which leads to a fast reduction of gas reserves in underground storage facilities and retains transit risks for European customers

© ITAR-TASS/Sergey Savostiyanov

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Gazprom to use Turkish route to substitute Europe-bound supply of 63 bcm via Ukraine

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russian gas giant Gazprom informed on Wednesday Vice-President of the European Commission Maros Shevchovich on remaining transit risks for European customers on the Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine’s Naftogas national oil and gas company acquires less gas than agreed by Brussels deals, which leads to a fast reduction of gas reserves in underground storage facilities and retains transit risks for European customers at winter consumption maximums, Gazprom reported after a meeting between Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller and Vice-President of the European Commission of Energy Union Maros Shevchovich.

The two sides put an increased focus on implementing the agreements reached in Brussels on Russian gas deliveries to Ukraine by April 1, 2015. Gazprom fully comlpies with its commitments and delivers gas to Ukraine on a pre-paid basis and in line with Naftogas daily requests. At the same time, Ukraine’s gas company buys less gas than agreed by Brussels deals and withdraws it from its underground storage facilities. This leads to a slump in reserves, which are insufficient for a safe winter season, the Russian gas giant said.

Given that end-January and February account for winter consumption maximums, transit risks for European customers on the Ukraine territory persist, Gazprom said.

Miller also informed European Commission official of Gazprom’s current strains to build a new pipeline to Turkey across the Black Sea. The project will ensure deliveries of up to 50 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas to Turkey and Greece borders.

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Oil & Gas Gazprom Russia-Ukraine Gas Dispute

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