“Gazprom” Ukraine will require more than $ 8 billion for arrears of gas – RBC

«Gazprom» on Thursday would require the “Naftogaz Ukraine” to pay for arrears of gas in 2014, according to the rule “take or pay” an additional $ 8.197 billion, said the head of the Russian company, Alexei Miller at a conference in the framework of the European Business Congress.

«There is an agreement that” Gazprom “on November 1, 2014 for five months does not impose penalties to Ukraine in the framework of the conditions of” take or pay “. However, there is the period from 1 January 2014 until 31 October 2014, in accordance with the contract, “Gazprom” should and imposes penalties on Ukraine “take or pay” for 2014. The corresponding representation to the “Naftogaz Ukraine” will be sent today, the same performance will be directed to the Stockholm arbitration, “- said Miller (quoted by RIA Novosti news agency).

The total debt” Naftogaz “before” Gazprom “Miller estimated at more than $ 29 billion.

Earlier it was reported that “Gazprom” has submitted to the Stockholm arbitration claim against a “Naftogaz of Ukraine” $ 18.5 billion shortfall for the Ukrainian company contracted volumes of gas in 2012-2013 Years that “Gazprom” is not set, but the Ukrainian side was obliged to pay according to the rule “take or pay».

Under the terms of the so-called winter package, agreed in the tripartite talks Russia – EU – Ukraine action rules “take or pay” has been frozen until March 31, 2015.

In early April 2015, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to extend Miller freezing rules “take or pay».

«Currently, we see that the level of our gas offtake by Ukraine is extremely low, this is due to the decline in the industry in Ukraine, with the increase in energy prices. For example, last year the level of deliveries amounted to slightly more than 14 billion cubic meters. meters of gas. At the level of “take or pay” – 41.6 billion. Of course, the difference is very large, and we believe that it is possible to support the appeal of our Ukrainian colleagues to extend the regime of failure to fines under “take or pay”, – said Miller.

Putin proposal to extend the freeze Miller rules “take or pay” from 1 April 2015 is upheld. “I agree, referring to the difficult situation in the Ukrainian economy – need to meet partners,” – he said.

Since 2011, Ukraine has reduced purchases of Russian gas: in 2011, “Naftogaz” has bought 40 billion cubic meters . m, in 2013 – already 25.8 billion cubic meters. m, and in 2014 – only 15.3 billion cubic meters. m.