Hungary and Russia have agreed on the supply of natural gas to bypass Ukraine. The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a guarantee “Gazprom”, that in the case of extending the gas transit through Ukrainian GTS Hungary will still receive gas through other channels. This was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the country Peter Shiyarto. The statement published on the website of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Today the head “Gazprom” Miller and I have reached an agreement regarding the security of supply of natural gas in Hungary irrespective of, whether concluded a transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine. We must always take into account the worst-case scenario in the planning of the country's security of energy supply
– Minister, adding, that in the event of termination of transit through the territory of Ukraine, Hungary of the gas can be purchased in Austria, but expects the commissioning of the gas pipeline “Turkish stream”, who will be able to compensate for “Ukrainian gas”.
earlier, the head “Naftogaz” Andrew said Kobolev, what “Gazprom” Europe prepares to halt gas supplies through the Ukrainian gas transportation system.
The contract between Russia and Ukraine on gas transit to Europe will expire 31 December 2019 of the year. The new agreement between the two countries has been concluded, despite one last round of talks. Europe, which is a mediator in the negotiations, insists, that document must be signed for a period of more than 10 years, and volumes of gas have to be “appealing”, including investors, which will be invited for the modernization of the Ukrainian GTS. The second round of negotiations is scheduled for May.
AT “Gazprom” previously stated, that the pipeline “Turkish stream” It will be put into operation by the end of this year, and with “Northern stream 2” a little harder. In the absence of unforeseen circumstances,, its construction will be completed at the end 2019 of the year, but commissioning will take place in 2020 year.
