Russian min: Only Gazprom can meet Ukraine’s winter gas demands

MOSCOW, Oct 14 (PRIME) -- Only Russian gas giant Gazprom can meet Ukraine’s demand for gas in winter, while no reverse supplies can help, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Wednesday.

“As you know, the entire reverse mode is almost by two thirds ensured by supplies of Russian gas to Europe. This is mostly our gas. We are certainly interested in direct gas supplies. A prepayment from Naftogaz Ukrainy has already arrived, and our gas supplies started, this is a positive moment,” Novak said.

“The most important is for Naftogaz Ukrainy to find resources to pay Gazprom for winter gas supplies in order to ensure current needs. In fact, nobody except Gazprom can meet such demands in the winter period, even through a reverse mode.”

Gazprom resumed supplies to Ukraine on Monday after receiving a U.S. $234 million prepayment.

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