Ukraine to stifle gas supplies to Balkans

After Russia stopped natural gas flow to Ukraine, Kiev intends to unilaterally cut transit supplies to the Balkans by no less than 10 million cubic meters. This measure is already being applied, but will reach the said level on Saturday, reports are saying. Ukraine to stifle gas supplies to Balkans Russia cut off natural gas supplies to Ukraine on Thursday after last-ditch talks on a 2009 contract failed late on Wednesday, but increased shipments to European states, RIA Novosti said. Viktor Pavlik of Topenergy – the Balkan distribution center for gas transit – stated today that "Ukraine has shut down Orlovka compressor stations, justifying this by saying that 'not enough gas is coming from Russia to secure transit'". Pavlik also said that Russia is now exploring options to compensate for the amount of gas needed by the Balkans, primarily for Turkey. The Balkan states consume some 66 million cubic meters of gas daily. The cold wave gripping the region has prompted countries to order more gas, but Ukraine has decided to unilaterally lower the volumes. At the same time, Kiev today admitted to stealing Russia's gas in transit through its territory.

Ukraine to stifle gas supplies to Balkans

Russia cut off natural gas supplies to Ukraine on Thursday after last-ditch talks on a 2009 contract failed late on Wednesday, but increased shipments to European states, RIA Novosti said.

Viktor Pavlik of Topenergy – the Balkan distribution center for gas transit – stated today that "Ukraine has shut down Orlovka compressor stations, justifying this by saying that 'not enough gas is coming from Russia to secure transit'".

Pavlik also said that Russia is now exploring options to compensate for the amount of gas needed by the Balkans, primarily for Turkey.

The Balkan states consume some 66 million cubic meters of gas daily.

The cold wave gripping the region has prompted countries to order more gas, but Ukraine has decided to unilaterally lower the volumes.

At the same time, Kiev today admitted to stealing Russia's gas in transit through its territory.