Price in Gazprom-Naftogaz contract may be revised only in regard to future supplies - Russian minister
BERLIN. May 30 (Interfax) - The price for gas in a contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz Ukrainy may be revised only in regard to future supplies, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said at a press conference in Berlin.
"The revision of the price for November and December [2013] is not under discussion. Only the price of future supplies can be discussed," he said.
Russia is prepared to negotiate a discount on gas for Ukraine and a debt settlement schedule, but the negotiating parties are extremely time-constrained he said.
"We are really pressed for time. The prepayment terms were introduced in May and may take effect on Tuesday. We have very little time to reach an agreement. Nevertheless, we have a constructive attitude. We don't want the prepayment terms to take effect on Tuesday, and therefore we hope that Ukraine's statement [on transferring part of the debt for gas to Gazprom] is a fact," Novak said.
Naftogaz had transferred $786 million to Gazprom at 4:15 p.m. Central European Time on Friday, he said.