Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Ukraine hopes for resumption of direct gas deliveries from Turkmenistan after signing an agreement on access to pipeline transportation of the CIS countries in May 2014, Trend Agency reported on January 23 with reference to the local Ukrainian media.

"Ukraine hopes that the access agreements will be ready for signing on May 30, 2014 at a meeting of the CIS government heads to be held in Kiev ", the Business TV portal said.

According to a decree of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers, a corresponding paragraph is found in the plan of measures to ensure Ukraine's presidency in the CIS in 2014.

Earlier, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said his country intends to resume direct deliveries of Turkmenistan's gas from 2015.

"We are very interested in the free trade agreement among the CIS countries working with full efficiency," the prime minister said, emphasizing the clause concerning the fuel-pipeline system.

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.