Russian gas transit through Ukraine increases, Gazprom requests 38.5 mcm for Friday

MOSCOW. Aug 9 (Interfax) - Transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine is set to increase Friday, the nomination for the new gas day indicates.

The physical flow of gas at the exit point from Ukraine to the European Union remains continuous, hourly data from European information platform ENTSOG showed.

"Gazprom is feeding Russian gas for transit through the territory of Ukraine in the amount confirmed by the Ukrainian side through the Sudzha metering station - 38.5 million cubic meters for August 9. The request for the Sokhranovka metering station was declined," the Russian gas giant's spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov told reporters. The nomination for Thursday was 37.3 mcm.

This remains the only route for Russian gas exports through Ukraine to Europe.

Ukraine's Gas Transmission System Operator (GTSOU) declared a force majeure in regard to accepting gas for transit through Sokhranovka, claiming that it cannot control the Novopskov compressor station. The route through Sokhranovka provided transit of more than 30 mcm of gas per day. Gazprom believes there are no grounds for a force majeure or obstacles to continuing operations as before.

Fighting is taking place in the Sudzha district of Kursk Region on the border with Ukraine.

The spot price of gas in Europe has risen by 9% since the start of the week amid the escalation of the situation in the region. Day-ahead contracts on the TTF hub in the Netherlands closed at $445 per 1,000 cubic meters on Thursday.