NBU head denies critical impact of power outages in Ukraine on banks' operations

MOSCOW. Nov 8 (Interfax) - The current energy situation in Ukraine is not affecting the efficiency and stability of banks' operations, and the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) and other banks have respective guidelines in the event of more serious problems, NBU Governor Andrei Pyshny said.

"I do not think that the energy situation will have any critical impact. We envisaged such a scenario," Ukrainian media quoted Pyshny as saying at a press briefing on Monday.

Backup power supply systems and required fuel stockpiles have already been created, Pyshny said, describing this issue as a priority for the NBU.

Furthermore, the NBU has respective emergency protocols in the event of problems and disruptions to power supplies, he said.

"I assure you that quite a large number of various scenarios have been scrutinized, and we have a clear understanding as to how to act and what to do: when, with whom and in what order. Almost every possible scenario for the energy situation was projected and was taken into consideration. This situation is in our spotlight today, and I hope that we will deal with it as efficiently and responsibly as ever," Pyshny said.

The NBU's base-case scenario, which forms the backbone of the monetary decision, also takes account of a sufficient number of factors, including the non-availability of approximately 40% of the country's critical and energy infrastructure, he said.