Zhitomirgaz, Lvovgaz, Kievoblgaz transferred to Ukraine's Naftogaz Group

MOSCOW. June 30 (Interfax) - The Zhitomirgaz, Lvovgaz and Kievoblgaz companies have joined Naftogaz Group, Ukrainian media said on Thursday, citing information on the website of the Gas Distribution Networks operator.

The Kropivnitsky, Dnepropetrovsk and Kharkov branches were earlier transferred to Naftogaz and received licenses, the company said. Measures are also in progress to expand the territory of natural gas distribution operations in the cities of Kharkov and Krivoi Rog.

"The creation of a sound gas distribution system that functions 24/7 for the convenience of clients is one of the central goals of Naftogaz Group. This work in the regions relies upon the principles of technical optimization and mutual support with the government's coordination. Functioning under the control of the state driver envisages forming a flexible system of communication with clients, ensuring stable access to services and infrastructure upgrades," it said.

Data from open registers indicate that Sergei Skiba became the head of Zhitomirgaz, Roman Kalagursky of Lvovgaz, and Pavel Popov of Kievoblgaz on June 28, 2023.

As reported, following a motion lodged by Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation, a court transferred frozen private corporate rights to 26 regional and city operators of gas distribution systems to the country's national agency for locating, tracing and management of assets in late May 2022.

On September 2, 2022, Naftogaz registered Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine LLC, stating its core operation as gas distribution via local pipelines.

State-owned gas distribution networks were transferred to the new company under the Ukrainian government's order dated November 25, 2022.