Miller and Boiko Prepare for Ukrainian Winter Ahead

CEO of Gazprom Alexey Miller has met with Ukrainian Minister for Energy Yuriy Boiko to discuss Ukraine's preparation for the colder seasons ahead.

The meeting, which took place at Gazprom headquarters yesterday, was to discuss Ukraine's security of gas supply in the autumn and winter seasons. A statement from Gazprom issued yesterday evening said that the minister and Mr. Miller discussed mainly the security of supply through Ukraine to the rest of Europe.

"In particular, a focus was placed on Gazprom's uninterrupted gas transit to Europe by Naftogaz Ukrainy (Ukraine's state-run energy supplier)," the statement said. "Accordingly, the meeting participants reviewed the progress with gas injection into Ukraine's UGS facilities by Naftogaz Ukrainy."

The statement coincides with one released yesterday by Ukrainian pipeline operator Uktransgaz which said that it now had 15.7 billion cubic metres of gas in underground storage to deal with the colder months ahead and increased demand.

The reassurance follows friction earlier this year between Gazprom and the Ukrainian government, energy suppliers and transporters during a particular cold snap. At that time, Gazprom said that Ukraine had siphoned off gas meant for other countries. Ukraine denied the accusation.

However, Gazprom has taken steps to ensure that no interruption to supply happens during the cold seasons this year by providing Ukraine with a $2 billion loan to pay for gas in the months ahead.