World Bank: Ukraine has removed the middleman in relations with Gazprom
The World Bank notes that the government of Ukraine has made decisive steps towards removing the middleman between Gazprom and Ukraine in an attempt to root out a major source of corruption. This was stated by the World Bank Country Director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, Europe and Central Asia, Qimiao Fan.
"The Ukrainian government has already taken some important steps towards transforming the gas market… [by removing things] that resist change in the area that drives reforms. An important step was the increase of gas tariffs to almost a cost price. The law on the gas market in Ukraine was adopted, but much remains to be done," Qimiao Fan stated.
According to him, Ukraine needs to continue to improve pricing and tariff-setting mechanisms. He also stated that investments should be made using earned income.
Recently, NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine announced that it plans to increase its claim againsts Gazprom.