Transit tariffs: under scrutiny
Naftogaz takes close look at transit deal
Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz has hired a consultant to assess whether the gas transit rate charged to Moscow is fair, despite criticism by Ukraine's president that it was too low.
But the company also said previous analysis had already concluded that the rate was reasonable.
A contract signed in January with Russian giant Gazprom to end a three-week cut off of supplies, set transit fees at $1.70 per 1000 cubic metres per 100 kilometres.
President Viktor Yushchenko has repeatedly said that rate is far below transit tariffs set by European countries and has accused Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who negotiated the deal, of failing to defend Ukrainian interests.
"Given the high public interest in this issue and the many 'analytical conclusions' about whether the conditions of the contract are well founded, Naftogaz has commissioned a leading firm on energy tariffs... Arthur D Little," the company said.
It added that previous examinations of the issue had "confirmed the economic grounds for transit of gas set in the agreement of 29 January 2009".
More than 80% of Russian gas shipments to Gazprom's European customers pass through Ukraine and transit income is an important source of funds for Naftogaz, which is saddled with debts.
The Ukrainian company has trouble raising funds to meet Ukraine's monthly gas import bill and Ukraine is seeking credits of about $4 billion to ensure gas is pumped into underground storage ahead of next winter, a Reuters report said.