CEO of Naftogaz: Ukraine will buy gas from Russia only if Gazprom offers a reasonable price
CEO of the Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz, Andriy Kobolyev, stated that the Ukrainian side is ready to buy gas from Russian Gazprom only if it offers a reasonable price.
“Our offer extends to all companies, including Gazprom, only if it is ready to offer a reasonable price and abide by the rules.” Kobolyev’s words were quoted by Naftogaz on the air of the BBC TV program Hard Talk.
According to him, currently Naftogaz is buying fuel from 14 European suppliers.
“The very fact that they are cooperating with us proves that Naftogaz is a reliable partner,” Kobolyev mentioned.
Currently, the relationship between Naftogaz and Gazprom, as well as between Ukraine and Russia, is tense. Ukraine has long been buying gas from European companies instead of buying it from Russia. Russia responded by reducing gas transit through Ukraine, trying to push other gas transportation projects bypassing Ukraine instead.
In 2014 and 2015, Ukrainian Naftogaz and Russian Gazprom held talks mediated by the EU.