Russian gas transit through Ukraine remains at maximum level

MOSCOW. Aug 14 (Interfax) - Transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine remains at the technically maximum possible level on Wednesday.

"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 - 42.4 million cubic meters for August 14. The request for the Sokhranovka metering station was declined," the Russian gas giant's spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov told reporters.

The nomination for Tuesday was the same.

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 amid the escalation of the situation in the region. Day-ahead contracts on the TTF hub in the Netherlands closed at $434 per 1,000 cubic meters.

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.