Naftogaz of Ukraine has signed an agreement with Statoil for deliveries of natural gas. The first such agreement between Naftogaz and Statoil, it expands the pool of gas suppliers to Ukraine and also opens a new market for Statoil. The Norway oil and gas company has started shipments to Naftogaz via Slovakia on October 1.
Andriy Kobolyev, CEO of Naftogaz, commented on the deal: “The agreement marks a significant breakthrough for Naftogaz. The multiple gas interconnectors that have been built over the last few years in Europe are substantially improving energy security, both for the EU and Ukraine. Working together, ensuring gas flows both ways, will significantly improve the liquidity and the stability of the EU market. We are committed to integrating Ukraine fully into the EU energy market and working with the European Commission and other key actors to do so”.
Yuriy Vitrenko, Managing Director, International Business at Naftogaz added: “In a way, this deal is revolutionary to Naftogaz. Within a very short time frame, we have managed to understand and employ standard European gas trading practices, including EFET contracts, and to incorporate these norms into the framework of Ukrainian internal regulations. This deal symbolizes our faith in making change possible in Naftogaz. It also provides tangible proof that our commitment to reform and our ability to operate in accordance with common EU norms is being noticed and respected in the market, gaining us the trust of Western European companies."
About Naftogaz
The National Joint Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine is the leading enterprise in Ukraine’s fuel and energy complex, one of the biggest Ukrainian companies.
Naftogaz of Ukraine is a vertically integrated oil and gas company engaged in full cycle of operations in gas and oil field exploration and development, production and exploratory drilling, gas and oil transport and storage, supply of natural gas and LPG to consumers. Over 90% of the oil and gas in Ukraine is produced by the enterprises of the Company.
About Statoil
Statoil ASA (OSE: STL, NYSE: STO) is an international energy company with operations in 36 countries. Building on 40 years of experience from oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf, we are committed to accommodating the world's energy needs in a responsible manner, applying technology and creating innovative business solutions. We are headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, with approximately 23,000 employees worldwide, and are listed on the Oslo and New York stock exchanges.