PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, May 31 /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine has been requesting maximum gas supplies, but its approach to payments is not constructive, Gazprom’s CEO Alexei Miller told the Vesti on Saturday television programme on Saturday.
“As yet, we can see that for over six months already the supplies of gas to Ukraine are performing properly. Ukraine has been requesting maximum supplies under the contract, and as for the amount in May, it will make over three and a half billion cubic metres,” he said.
At the same time, he continued, Kiev “is taking a non-constructive position in payments for the supplies.” Under the current conditions, the Russian side has not considered a correction of gas price.
“Clearly, there is no discussing any price correction, whether via the export duty; and, once again: the question remains - why at all should we do so; of course, not,” Miller said.
“Till today, Ukraine’s position contradicted with the suggestions Russia has made, or Gazprom and the European Commission,” he continued. “Thus, clearly, it is a question: why to discount?”
Gazprom commented on Ukraine’s gas problem saying its reasons came from the low payment discipline of the consumers in the country.
“”The problem with Ukraine’s gas debts is that Ukraine is bankrupt,” he said. “Consumers cannot afford payments. The payment discipline is low. And, of course, the general economic problems in addition.