Today expire when the prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko to enter into negotiations with the co-founder of the gas trader Ros1000UkrEnergo Austrian Centragas the return of 11 billion cubic meters of gas. Otherwise, Ukraine faces a trial on the expropriated a year ago, gas worth $ 3.5 billion

At Gazprom insist that the situation have no relationship. But experts believe, therefore, Moscow cautions that any attempt to change the gas contract, as mentioned during the campaign Viktor Yanukovich, will lead to bankruptcy of Naftogaz.

Last week Austrian Centragas announced the initiation of proceedings in arbitration proceedings on the suit, filed Oct. 26, on the expropriated by the Government of Ukraine in 2009, 11 billion cubic meters of gas RosUkrEnergo (RUE). Formally, Centragas (owns 50% stake in RUE, second 50% owned by Gazprom) is the wrong reason.

“We are determined to encourage the Ukrainian government accountable for their actions and those of state-controlled monopoly Naftogaz: they should respect and comply with their obligations under the Energy Charter Treaty - said managing director Centragas Holding AG David Brown .- Further We are committed to return the 11 billion cubic meters of gas, which they have expropriated from storage facilities, where this gas is expected to send to our customers in Europe. ”

Recall that in January 2009, Prime Minister of Ukraine and Russia Julia Timoshenko and Vladimir Putin has been accused of fueling the gas war controlled by Dmitry Firtash trader RUE. As a result, the mediator of the scheme of Russian gas supplies to Ukraine was expelled, and the remaining debts of RUE to Gazprom Ms Tymoshenko has promised to resolve itself. In particular, the Ukrainian government special directive obliges the head of “Naftogaz” Oleg Dubina buy from Gazprom RUE debt to the Russian monopoly on at least $ 1.6 billion, or in the amount of 10.345 billion cubic meters of gas.

benefits for the Russian side of the transaction was direct. The directive stipulated that it was this gas will be credited as advance payment for services in 2009 under the contract on the amount and conditions of gas transit across Ukraine for the period from 2009 to 2019 (see Kommersant from January 22, 2009).

Later Gazprom actually signed the contract with Naftogaz of advance payments for the transit in 2009 and I quarter of 2010 in the amount of $ 1.7 billion have been signed and the document of assignment of debt RUE “Gazprom” in the address ” Naftogaz to those most $ 1.7 billion The Russian side has made to document the situation that when there are problems that require its dissolution, the agreement is not retroactive. Thus, Gazprom has insured itself against possible legal action by the victim in the situation Dmitry Firtash.

This Tymoshenko did not relations to RUE properly. While she was a major contender for victory in the presidential race in Ukraine, it does not affect the gas agreement in Moscow and Kiev. Moreover, at her request Prime Minister verbally ordered not to collect from the Ukraine is no penalty for the shortfall of gas in 2009. Although it is difficult for Gazprom to work with its European partners (Germany”s E. ON paid for the same article $ 140 million).

However, after the first round of elections in Ukraine in January, the winner Viktor Yanukovych warned Russia that as soon as he comes to power, would require a revision of all the gas agreements. He directly accused Moscow of selling gas at inflated prices, and promised them lower in the forthcoming negotiations. Then, a source close to Gazprom, said that in case of revision of gas contracts are ready to defend Russia”s position in the courts.

source familiar with the negotiations, did not conceal that by Monday any legal action by Centragas would be take1000n, all will depend on the actions the new president. “If Russia will offer to renegotiate the contract to the Ukrainian government will be presented to account for all of the gas at an average price of RUE”, - explained. On Friday during a meeting with investors, Gazprom manager said that the average gas price for 2010 is $ 326 per thousand cubic meters (see reference). That is Centragas may require $ 3.586 billion

Recall that in the courts of Stockholm, has already addressed two lawsuits RUE to Naftohaz - the recovery of fines and penalties for late payment for the gas in 2006-2008, as well as the refusal of Naftogaz in 2009 to raise from its own gas storage facilities RUE $ 2 billion, said the source of Kommersant, total these requirements, together with the claim Centragas pull in $ 6 billion

At Gazprom said that the relationship to the claim Centragas not have. But observers are inclined to see what is happening in Moscow”s hand. According to them, the Kremlin clearly warns Kiev to face the winner of yesterday”s second round of presidential elections last year”s review of the dangers of the gas contract. Also, remind experts, Gazprom has already made an assignment Kiev: in 2010, the Russian monopoly pays to Ukraine for the transit of thousands of cubic meters of gas per 100 km $ 2.78 instead of $ 1,7.

However, Kiev has already talked about the threat of energy security of Europe. Last Saturday, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz, Igor Didenko said Centragas Holding AG is trying to illegally deprive Naftogaz of Ukraine “of 11 billion cubic meters of gas.

“The attempt to deprive Naftogaz 11 billion cubic meters from 18 billion, which is today, but at the end of the heating season, we will have 12-13 billion cubic meters of gas - this is an extremely serious threat to energy security of our state, and for a stable supply of energy of the entire Eurasian continent, “- the official said. He explained that the company is involved in all procedures related to the preparation process with Centragas, although the claim is filed and the State of Ukraine.

“Gazprom” to assess the annual gas prices

Friday met representatives of Gazprom with investors, which were called average price of Russian gas deliveries to Europe, Asia and the CIS. It follows from the Gazprom presentation, the average price of Russian gas to European market in 2010 will be $ 326 per thousand cubic meters (in 2009 - about $ 296).

“Gazprom plans to export to Europe in 2010, 160.8 billion cubic meters of gas to 140 billion cubic meters last year. Thus, in comparison with 2009 the volume of gas exports to foreign countries should grow by almost 15%.

price of gas for the CIS countries in 2010 is $ 273 per thousand cubic meters (2009 - $ 208) for Ukraine in the I quarter - $ 310 per thousand cubic meters, an average of the year, according to various estimates - from $ 280 to $ 334.

Natalia Grib, Moscow, Oleg Gavrish

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