Photo from UNIAN
Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has called for the lift of the blockade at the demarcation line, restoration of coal supplies, along with the establishment of strict control over the movement of goods along the line of contact.
"We all need to come together and solve the problem. I would divide it into several parts. We know that Ukraine consumes 24 million tonnes of coal per year, of which 9 million tonnes is anthracite coal, produced in the territory that remains uncontrolled," Groysman said on air of Ukraina TV channel.
He has recalled that one-third of Ukraine’s electricity for households is produced by thermal power plants operating on coal. Transition to gas would lead to higher utility prices, which are already very high, according to the head of government.
"That is, the blocking of supplies of coal, which has no alternative, means a halt to an industry and rolling blackouts across the country. Is it necessary to bring this on? I believe not. But it is clear that we must fight against smuggling. And my job is to make borders transparent," said Groysman.
Read alsoSocial Policy Minister speaks out against blockade of DonbasHe stressed the need to provide for continued operations of Ukrainian producers in case Ukraine wants to see sustained growth.
As UNIAN reported earlier, after Russia ignited war in Donbas, Ukraine lost a large number of anthracite coal mines in the region. To solve the problem, Ukraine was buying fuel in the Republic of South Africa. As of today, anthracite in the militant-held territory is mined exclusively by DTEK owned by Rinat Akhmetov; however, coal supplies to the government-controlled territory are often interrupted.
Read alsoGroysman sees no other option but to get coal from uncontrolled areasJanuary 25, 2017 a group of ATO veterans blocked the Luhansk-Popasna railroad within the framework of a so-called trade blockade of the occupied areas of Donbas. Deputy Minister for the Occupied Territories and IDPs George Tuka said that the blockage could lead to the fact that the whole of Luhansk region would remain without electricity.
Read alsoUkraine can't do without coal from occupied areas of Donbas – Security ChiefMinister of Energy and Coal Industry Ihor Nasalik said that the total blockade of coal supplies from the ATO zone would lead to rolling blackouts. He has emphasized that the responsibility for taking or not taking a decision on the blockade of anthracite coal supplies, on which Ukraine is short, should be taken by the Verkhovna Rada.