Russian gas transit through Ukraine returns to maximum level after weekend

MOSCOW. Aug 20 (Interfax) - Transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine has returned to its usual level.

"Gazprom is feeding Russian gas for transit through the territory of Ukraine at the amount confirmed by the Ukrainian side through the Sudzha metering station, totaling 42.4 million cubic meters for August 20. The request for the Sokhranovka metering station was declined," Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov told reporters.

The nomination for Monday was 42.1 million cubic meters.

This route remains the only one 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 the 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 at the TTF hub in the Netherlands closed at $449 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.