VIENNA, October 30. /TASS/. The transit of Russian gas via Ukraine can continue for so long as the gas pipeline is operable, the Austrian energy regulator E-Control said.

CEO of Naftogaz of Ukraine Alexey Chernyshov said earlier Ukraine would not renew the agreement on Russian gas transit to Europe that would expire in late 2024.

"Commenting on statements of the Ukrainian energy holding Naftogaz, according to which the gas transit from Russia to the west will stop from 2025, E-Control continues believing that transit can continue for so long as transit pipelines are in an undamaged condition," the Austrian regulator said.

Pipeline operators should offer free capacities "on a transparent and nondiscriminatory basis" under EU laws, E-Control added.

In August 2023, the share of Russian gas stood at 43% in Austrian imports.