In new suit against Gazprom, Naftogaz demands transit tariff review

National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine in a new arbitration lawsuit launched against the Russian Gazprom demands a revision of the transit tariff, noting that Ukraine lost $11.8 billion, applying it.

"First and foremost, we demand a transit tariff revision. Our right to demand a tariff revision is provided for in the contract itself," Naftogaz Executive Director Yuriy Vitrenko wrote on Facebook Tuesday.

At the same time, Vitrenko explained that the previous arbitration did not consider the issue of tariff revision, since the Naftogaz request to Gazprom sent in the summer of 2009 did not meet formal requirements. Therefore, the company requires a review of these conditions for the period from March 13, 2018, until the contract's expiry date (January 1, 2020).

"We calculated such a tariff together with the acclaimed independent experts. It is determined for each entry and exit points of the Ukrainian GTS (European standards provide for this). But since Gazprom refused to apply the new tariffs, now it's logical to talk about compensation for the fact that the revised tariff has not been applied," Vitrenko explained.

Read alsoNaftogaz: Russia's Gazprom gets US$47 bln more from Ukraine under 10-year gas deal than pays for transit

"In fact, it's about the difference between what we received for transit and should receive at revised tariffs. This difference stands at $11.8 billion (plus interest). This is the amount we require as compensation," he added.

According to Vitrenko, Naftogaz also pledged in this amount compensation for damage in case transit via Ukraine discontinues. A significant part of the amount is accelerated depreciation, since then the gas transmission system will be used only for two years instead of the 30 years specified in the contract.

If the transit continues, the claims will be revised downward, the official noted without specifying any details.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Naftogaz lodged with the Stockholm Arbitration Court a new lawsuit against the Russian Gazprom. The arbitration is expected to hand down its award in 2021.