Ukraine raises price for Russian gas transit more than 50%

KIEV, Jan 19 (PRIME) -- Ukraine has increased transit tariffs for Russian gas giant Gazprom by over 50% to U.S. $4.5 for 1,000 cubic meters of gas per 100 kilometers, Energy and Coal Minister Vladimir Demchishin said

“In compliance with new calculations of the regulator (the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission), transit will cost about $4.5 per 100 kilometers. It is more than 50% higher than previously,” the minister said.

Ukraine has said it plans to raise the tariff to $5. Kiev also plans to prolong an agreement with Russia on gas transit to Europe after 2019.

At present, Ukraine buys no Russian gas and the government believes that the country has enough reserves in its underground storages to avoid buying more fuel from Russia in the current heating season.

Ukraine refused to buy Russian gas for $212.23 per 1,000 cubic meters because it purchases cheaper gas from the EU.

“We buy gas in Europe. The latest transactions were at $190 (per 1,000 cubic meters of gas), which is significantly lower than Gazprom proposed,” Demchishin said.

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