Energy Ministry called on transfer to direct contracts in gas import

The Fuel and Energy Ministry of Ukraine is setting the task to go over to direct contracts with producers of natural gas on its delivery to Ukraine, including on gas exports to third countries, according to the Ministry's 2008 priorities plan.

The Fuel and Energy Ministry intends to build its relations with Russia in the field of supply and transit of natural gas on the principles of strategic partnership, including implementation of joint investment projects for the development of transit capacities, like construction of the Bohorodchany - Uzhhorod gas pipeline.

The Ministry called among its 2008 targets the effort to preserve state ownership of the fuel and energy complex facilities that play a key role in this country's energy security.

Russia's Gazprom supplies Central Asian natural gas to Ukraine via its affiliate RosUkrEnergo A.G. (Switzerland).

Ukraine imports at least 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas, including around 40 billion cubic meters of gas from Turkmenistan.