Naftogaz blocking shipments, Gazprom says

MOSCOW, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Ukrainian state-owned energy firm Naftogaz refused transit of Russian natural gas to Europe for the second straight day Wednesday, energy giant Gazprom said.

Russian monopoly Gazprom claimed Wednesday it filed documents to transport 3.5 billion cubic feet of gas to European customers, RIA Novosti reported.

Gazprom blamed the Ukrainian government for blocking gas transits following the apparent resolution of a row over gas arrears that disrupted natural gas supplies to Europe.

Russia blamed Ukraine for siphoning gas bound for Europe, with Gazprom reporting Naftogaz was transferring gas shipments for domestic consumption. Gazprom Wednesday said it was looking to alternative routes for exports directly to Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

Europe gets 25 percent of its natural gas from Russia, with 80 percent of that traveling through Ukraine.

For her part, pro-Kremlin Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko gave assurances to Europe Wednesday her country remained a reliable energy partner.

Tymoshenko said low volumes through key energy arteries and shipments through the wrong pipeline were reasons why European customers were still without gas.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso warned both sides customers in Europe may seek legal action to restore gas shipments.