Ukraine aims to resume direct supplies of Turkmen gas
By Aynur Jafarova
Ukraine intends to resume direct deliveries of Turkmenistan's gas from 2015, Ukrainian media reported citing Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.
"We are very interested in the free trade agreement among CIS countries working with full efficiency," the prime minister said, emphasizing the clause concerning the fuel-pipeline system.
According to the reports, the agreement has been ratified by Ukraine and Russia. However, this clause will go into effect in 2015 due to what is said to be delays by Russia.
According to the clause, delivery of gas can be directly ordered from Turkmenistan, Azarov said.
Up to 60 percent of the natural gas is imported in Ukraine. Experts point out that Ukraine's main interest in Turkmenistan is associated with the country's vast natural gas reserves. Kiev sees Turkmenistan as a competitive energy source.
During the visits by Ukrainian officials to Ashgabat it was repeatedly stressed that Ukraine is interested in cooperation with Turkmenistan, especially in the energy sector, as the country aims to reduce its energy dependence on Russia.
Ukraine has been looking for a way to acquire direct deliveries of Turkmen gas. Ashgabat is also interested in new markets, including the early access of its energy resources to Europe.
However, Turkmenistan and Ukraine do not share a border, which means that any gas deliveries would have to cross Russia. Ukraine needs Russia's permission to use its pipelines for transportation of Turkmen gas to its territory. But this is not in the interest of Russia, which sells its own and Turkmen gas to European countries, including Ukraine, for a higher price.