Naftogaz CEO estimates Ukraine's gas import demand at 3 bcm this winter at meeting with G7, EU ambassadors

MOSCOW. Dec 2 (Interfax) - Naftogaz of Ukraine CEO Alexei Chernyshov has estimated Ukraine's demand for imported gas at 3 billion cubic meters during this heating season, with due account of risks, at a meeting with G7 ambassadors and the EU Delegation.

"According to the preliminary estimate by the Energy Ministry, which includes the risks, there is need for an additional amount of up to 3 billion cubic meters of gas for this heating season, which is now equivalent to over $4 billion in monetary terms. We will need assistance of our foreign partners in this area," the Ukrainian media quoted Chernyshov as saying.

In the words of Chernyshov, over 300 energy infrastructure elements have been destroyed and over ten gas extracting facilities have been damaged in Ukraine.

Chernyshov said that restoration of confidence of foreign partners and Eurobond holders in the company was one of his major tasks. This implies, in particular, a tender for the appointment of members of the Naftogaz Supervisory Board consistent with the OECD standards.

The sides also discussed the Naftogaz strategy for partnerships with foreign governments and business.

"Naftogaz is open to closer cooperation with our foreign partners. We are offering governments and businesses from G7 and EU member states to cooperate in hydrocarbon production in Ukraine," Chernyshov said.