Official: Ukraine sees shortages in Russian gas transit in Jan–Mar

TORONTO, Canada, Jul 4 (PRIME) -- Ukrainian energy holding Naftogaz Ukrainy is preparing to shortages of Russian gas transit in January–March, head of the gas division Andrei Favorov said at a conference on Thursday.

“We expect shortages in gas transit across Ukraine, which will last for about three months,” Favorov said. “In the first quarter, yes. The Europeans are fully aware.”

He also said that the company is ready for fair negotiations with Russia on gas supply and transit.

“Perhaps, (the next round of negotiations) will take place after the parliamentary elections,” he said referring to the July 21 polls.

“The Russian colleagues said this publicly. I have no expectations. From my point of view, these are commercial negotiations and must take place between the representatives of the companies. The colleagues want it to become political negotiations and set conditions which are unacceptable, to forego our victory in Stockholm. We are ready for fair, open negotiations.”

Ukraine ceased gas purchases from Russia in November 2015. The current supply and transit contracts between Russia and Ukraine expire at the end of 2019.

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