Gazprom in Ukraine has no one to sign a contract with, transit will stop on January 1
Gazprom has no reason to continue gas transit through the Ukrainian gas transportation system after the expiration of the current transit contract, or even to negotiate about it, since the current gas transportation system operator has not yet been certified according to European standards.
Energy expert Boris Martsinkevich stated this on the PolitWera channel, PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“In order for Gazprom to reach the level of negotiations, a negotiating partner must appear - a company independent from Naftogaz, certified by both the Ukrainian gas market regulator and the European Association for the Cooperation of Gas Market Regulators (probably referring to the European Network operators of gas transmission systems, ENTSOG - editor's note).
When such a partner appears, then Gazprom will have at least a theoretical chance to negotiate. For now, Gazprom can hold consultations and express its readiness to work according to European rules.
In order for transit to take place, it is necessary to have legal grounds for it. As of January 1, 2020, Gazprom has no such grounds; its contract with Naftogaz is ending and it still does not have a negotiating partner.
Taking into account the fact that continuing transit without an agreement means moving material assets across the state border without legal grounds, which is a criminal offense, of course, Gazprom will not do this.
The Gazprom company does not look like a bunch of criminals. So, despite all Gazprom’s desire to transit gas through the territory of Ukraine, there is no such possibility legally,” the expert concluded.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.