Ukraine Stops Gas Export to Poland (Again)

Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA (PGNiG), has announced that Ukrainian natural-gas company NAK Naftogaz Ukrayiny, will stop its natural-gas deliveries to Poland effective January 1, 2011.

The natural gas affected is domestic Ukrainian gas, according to PGNiG, and not Russian natural gas imports that transits through Ukraine to other markets.

According to NAK Naftogaz, the move is due to a change in Ukrainian regulations that require natural gas extracted to be directed to domestic needs first.

PGNiG said suspension of deliveries would have no impact on present customers and the Polish economy.

The Polish gas monopoly said it will protest the decision and push for the continuation of the arrangement which is in effect to 2020.

In September 2010, NAK Naftogaz suspended natural gas supplies to the Hrubieszow area, citing the same reason (Read HERE).  Supplies were restored in October.

Source: PGNiG