Gazprom's CEO rules out cutoffs of natural gas supplies to Ukraine
08:39, 3 June 2009
MOSCOW. June 3. KAZINFORM There is no possibility of cutoffs of natural gas supplies to Ukraine now that a 10-year supply contract has been signed, Gazprom's chief executive said on Tuesday, Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.
Alexei Miller said even if 100% prepayment for gas deliveries was introduced, it would be up to Ukraine to decide how much gas to buy.
Miller said it was still "unclear" whether Naftogaz would be able to pay its bills for May supplies.
Russia's prime minister said in late May it was unlikely that Moscow would be able to grant Ukraine $5 billion in advance payments for natural gas transits over 5-7 years and warned of rising risks of Russian gas transit disruptions.
Vladimir Putin also said in a statement on his website that the European Union appears unable to help Ukraine finance gas shipments. Ukraine transits around 80% of Russia's Europe-bound gas.
Kiev earlier said it may be unable to pay Russia for current shipments, raising concerns about a fresh dispute that may affect EU consumers, Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version.