Ukraine to suggest creation of gas transport consortium with EU to reduce gas price - source
YALTA. Sept 16 (Interfax) - During a meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on September 24, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych will suggest the creation of a three-party gas transport consortium with the EU, which will help bring down the gas price for Ukraine to $190-$210 per 1,000 cubic meters, a source close to the negotiations told journalists in Yalta.
The source said the shares in the consortium will be distributed evenly between the three parties.
The source added that Ukraine's proposal also envisions an increase in the gas transit rate.
If an agreement is reached on the matter, the price of gas to Ukrainian consumers may reach some $230 per 1,000 cubic meters, the source said.
The price of Russian gas for Ukraine is projected at $400 per 1,000 cubic meters for the fourth quarter of 2011.
In the course of the past 1.5 years, Ukraine has been conducting negotiations with Russia to reconsider the terms of the gas supply agreements reached in early 2009.
