Ukraine: Russia-led Nord Stream-2 pipe should ask for Kiev consent

KIEV, Aug 19 (PRIME) -- Ukraine’s antimonopoly authority has asked participants of Russia-led Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline construction to agree terms of the project with Kiev, as follows from a statement seen by PRIME on Friday.

“The participants of the project ought to abstain from any activities which could lead to competition limitations in Ukraine before the receipt of a permit… for the agreed upon actions. Due to the aforementioned and with the aim of preventing violations of the economic competition law, we ask participants of the Nord Stream-2 project to turn to the antimonopoly committee of Ukraine with a corresponding statement,” the authority said.

The Nord Stream-2 project envisages construction of two lines of a gas pipeline with an annual capacity of up to 55 billion cubic meters, running from the Russian shore to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Gazprom will hold 50% in the project, while E.ON, BASF, Royal Dutch Shell, and OMV will own 10% each, and Engie will get a 9% stake.

The partners in Nord Stream-2 earlier sent notifications on establishment of joint ventures to the German and Polish authorities. Whereas Germany gave its consent, Poland refused to permit the construction, and the partners said that they decided to consider alternative options.

The Russian gas transit contract with Ukraine will expire in late 2019, and according to the Ukrainian authorities, the rival Nord Stream-2 project is meant to undermine Ukraine politically.

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