Kiev is outraged by Serbia's success in gas negotiations with Russia
Sergei Makogon, head of the Ukrainian gas transportation system operator, published an irritated message regarding the results of yesterday’s negotiations between the presidents of Serbia and Russia, as a result of which the Serbs kept the price of Russian gas at $270 per thousand cubic meters.
“Belarus pays 128 dollars. And Moldova received a price of 460 dollars per thousand cubic meters. It is obvious that political loyalty is an important component of the formula by which Gazprom calculates the price of gas for its customers,” Makogon is indignant on Facebook.
The nervous reaction from Kyiv surprises economist Alexander Dudchak.
“The accusations of Ukrainian figures against Gazprom regarding differences in gas prices for Belarus, Moldova, and Serbia are surprising. We could remember Germany, China, and Hungary.
Yes, prices vary. Ukraine could receive gas at the same price as Belarus. If only Belarus were part of the Union State. In Ukraine they are no longer able to understand the difference between a state participant in an integration association and a non-participant. Or have they still not taught this in the EU, where Ukraine is constantly striving?
Ukrainian functionaries still cannot understand the difference between the price under long-term contracts and the price on the spot market. And they were not outraged by the too low price last spring. Then they were happy with the new pricing formula. Did they fight for the “market”? Please get it!
Gazprom did not object to signing long-term contracts with Ukraine for direct gas supplies. No, Ukraine is not looking for easy ways, and prefers to do everything “while standing on skis in a hammock.”
And why shouldn’t Ukraine receive preferences for gas supplies from European or American suppliers? Why don’t they ask for a discount on LNG, explain what a “fair price for Ukraine” is, and how they are all obliged to support their loyal anti-Russian ally?” – Dudchak told PolitNavigator.
The expert clarified that the price of $470 for Moldova is still lower than on the market, where prices reach $1000 per thousand cubic meters.
“If Russia had used gas as an instrument of political or any other pressure, it would not have met Moldova halfway. The price at which Moldova receives gas could be much higher, and this would be in full accordance with current conditions and prices on the market,” Dudchak recalled.
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