In addition, Naftogaz transferred another UAH 8.1 billion to Ukrgazvydobuvannia for gas bought in 2015 / Photo from UNIAN
NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine has paid its gas producing subsidiary, PJSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia, UAH 8.1 billion for consumed gas, according to Naftogaz's press service.
The amount includes UAH 2.2 billion in accumulated debts and UAH 5.9 billion in payment for gas bought in 2015.
"Thus, Naftogaz has paid for the entire amount of Ukrgazvydobuvannia's gas supplied to households by October 1, 2015, and partly for the gas pumped into underground storage facilities, which is to be sold to the population during the 2015/2016 heating season," the press service said.
"Naftogaz will pay for the remaining gas bought from Ukrgazvydobuvannia and accumulated in underground storage facilities when it gets payment from the sale of that gas to ultimate consumers. Naftogaz and Ukrgazvydobuvannia are expected to repay the charged gas royalties by the end of the current year. From January 2016, gas royalties will be paid in advance," the company said.
According to Naftogaz, the national budget for 2015 foresees state guarantees for borrowing funds to buy gas. The company estimates that Ukraine needs at least 19 billion cubic meters of gas to smoothly spend the 2015/2016 heating season.
Naftogaz also reported it expects to increase own gas production with the involvement of Ukrgazvydobuvannia to 13.4 billion cubic meters from April 2015 to April 2016. Of the amount, marketable gas, which could be sold to the population, will be 12.8 billion cubic meters.
The Cabinet of Ministers earlier instructed Naftogaz to ensure regular gas supplies to heat generating and supplying companies during the current heating season. The Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Ministry and the Energy and Coal Industry Ministry were instructed to ensure that heat suppliers fully pay for supplied gas. What is more, the two ministries should find a solution to eliminate accumulated arrears for the consumed gas.