Naftogaz Suspends Gas Purchases from Gazprom Starting from Wednesday

Ukraine's Naftogaz suspended purchases of natural gas from Gazprom starting from Wednesday, as the 3-month extension for the so-called “winter package” signed in April expired on Tuesday. 

'Naftogaz is ready to renew gas purchases from Gazprom after a comprehensive temporary agreement is reached between the parties. Such an agreement should cover all unresolved issues related to the disputed gas supply contract between Naftogaz and Gazprom at least until 31 March 2016. Just as the previously agreed "winter package", this solution should be trilateral and binding in order to ensure its implementation by all sides' reads a note released on Wednesday. 

Kiev said that Russia refrained from signing another temporary agreement. 

'At the recent trilateral negotiations in Vienna, the European Commission and Ukraine have offered Russia to agree on such a temporary solution. It would prevent the unwanted escalation during the next winter season and ensure security of supply of Russian gas to Europe. However, the Russian delegation rejected the offer and refused to sign a trilateral protocol.'

The Ukrainian company stated that delivery of Russian gas via Ukraine to Gazprom's clients in the EU and Turkey will continue in accordance with the existing transit contract, adding it is ready to take part in trilateral negotiations 'at any time suitable to all parties.'