Gazprom Says That Gas Sales to Germany Bounced Back

While Ukraine states it could become ‘completely energy independent’ within 10 years, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin increased his focus on the gas industry, both on a geopolitical and technical level. The Kremlin is exposing its ties with Germany, asking for an increase in domestic gas consumption, and a similar push toward higher production.

“We can increase our production rapidly and be sure of covering in full spikes in demand here at home and on our export markets. We can thus guarantee absolute reliability and no disruption of supplies” Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller told Putin on Monday. 

The official also explained that Germany bought almost 70% more gas in May 2015, compared to May 2014.  

‘This shows that demand for Russian gas is growing and there is no doubt that new contracts for long-term Russian gas supplies to the European market is on the current agenda for talks with our European partners.’

The parties also focused on the Power of Siberia project, reporting that work is proceeding as scheduled. 

Meanwhile, Putin also paid close attention to relations with Azerbaijan. 

“Despite the economic turbulence, trade between our countries has been growing: last year it went up by about 12 percent, I believe, while in the first quarter of this year by almost 6 percent” Putin told President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. 

On the other hand, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyu said that the Government reduced the deficit of Naftogaz Ukrainy “five times.” He also repeated Kiev’s interest to decrease imports, cutting consumption and changing the pricing of energy products. 

“The price of energy resources has not met the market level over 20 years. Well, we do not subsidize gasoline, do we?” he commented.

Yatseniuk also said that Ukrtransgaz completed the works to repair the pipeline damaged by militants in Donetsk region.