MOSCOW, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Ukraine and Gazprom continued talks Monday on gas supplies and a $1.3 billion debt the gas giant says it is owed.
Ukrainian Fuel and Energy Minister Yuriy Boiko and Gazprom Chief Executive Officer Alexei Miller were to meet at Gazprom’s offices Monday, RIA Novosti reported.
Gazprom said it would have to cut supplies to Ukraine if a debt of $1.3 billion owed by Ukrainian consumers was not paid. Given recent history, Gazprom’s threat is not an idle one.
In late 2005 Gazprom temporarily cut off supplies to Ukraine over a pricing dispute. That move led to reduced supplies to Europe and increased fears of energy insecurity in the European Union, which relies on Moscow for nearly a quarter of its gas supplies.
Last week Gazprom said Ukraine had ensured payment before Nov. 1.
In 2008 Ukraine will pay between $143 and $180 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas from Gazprom, according to RIA Novosti. It now pays $130 per 1,000 cu m. Most of the EU pays around $230 per 1,000 cu m.
