Ukraine to hike gas transit tariffs for Russia

“There are no problems between Russia and Ukraine about the tariffs. All these problems exist in the heads of our politicians. In their heads are chaos and the itch for bribe-taking. Everything is in order in our relationships, as envisaged by the existing contracts,” the premier said.

She explained there won’t be any need to sign additional agreements on higher tariffs for Russia as the hikes are included in the old contract, saying the tariffs on gas and transit are to be changed every quarter. Accordingly, transit fares for Russia will go up by 50 to 80 per cent.

It is impossible to give an exact figure as transit tariffs are based on the price of oil. “This is where the whole secret lies,” Tymoshenko added.

The premier also said the gas contracts with Russia should not be revised and Russia vowed not to impose sanctions on Ukraine for shortfalls in the volumes of gas bought by Ukraine.

Tymoshenko confirmed that the gas contracts with Russia were tailored on the gas contracts signed by other countries with Russia. Although this year’s contracted amount of gas stands at 40 bln. cu. m. (+/- 20%), Ukraine has bought only 32 bln. which falls within the 20% margin. Therefore, Ukraine cannot be subject to sanctions, Tymoshenko said. Those politicians who plunge in loud declarations about sanctions are former owners of corrupt RosUkrEnergo. “They cannot have illegal profits, and that explains why they are so loud,” the premier remarked.

She also informed that an agreement with Premier Putin was reached not to impose sanctions for Ukraine if it buys less than the contracted 32 bln. cu. m of gas – against the backdrop of the current recession.

Premier Tymoshenko unveiled the agenda for Naftohaz delegation’s forthcoming visit to Moscow. Ukraine will hand over to the Russians the records on consumed gas and the targets for purchasing gas in 2010 amounting to 32 bln. cu. m.