Dow Jones: Poland's PGNiG Files Claim In Proceedings Demanding Gazprom Price Cut

Polish state-controlled gas firm PGNiG SA Monday filed an arbitration claim against Russia's OAO Gazprom and its exporting unit demanding a change of the prices it has to pay for Russian natural gas, PGNiG said in a statement Tuesday. 

It didn't disclose its exact demands, saying the arbitration proceedings in Stockholm weren't public.

The Polish company launched the proceedings last year, demanding lower prices because what Gazprom is now charging under a long-term agreement signed in 1996 is far above spot-market rates, it said at the time.

Poland relies heavily on Russia to cover its gas needs, importing from Gazprom about two-thirds of the gas it consumes. Because of that dependence and its current inability to import gas from other areas, Poland pays what it describes as excessive prices for Russian gas.  MORE