Arseniy Yatsenyuk: Government requires passing a law envisaging use of gas distribution networks solely on a paid basis
The Government of Ukraine requires from the Parliament to adopt a law on
natural gas market, envisaging the right to use gas distribution networks exceptionally
on a paid basis. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy
Yatsenyuk at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, April 8.
He reminded that almost all gas distribution networks in Ukraine are public
property.
While, "regional gas companies belonging to Firtash-Lyovochkin
group use all gas distribution networks free of charge, those being the state
ownership", Arseniy Yatsenyuk urged.
|
"The Government demands to endorse the relevant law, which
provides for the right to use such gas distribution networks solely on a paid
basis - just pay money to the country", stressed the Head of Government. "I believe the Parliament will support the Government's stance, we
will put an end to the free use of gas distribution networks, thus all
private regional gas companies will pay lease to the state for the exploitation
of state-owned gas distribution networks", he stressed. The corresponding law is due to be considered by the VR on April 9, the
Prime Minister has said. Arseniy Yatsenyuk recalled that the Verkhovna Rada had supported the
Government's position and adopted amendments to the Law "On Joint-Stock Companies" regarding the quorum for the general shareholders' meetings of joint stock companies in
which the State owns the majority shareholding, whereby the state “returns
control over energy companies." "Now we again assume control over all gas distribution networks in
the state ownership, that occurred to be in private ownership and avoid
paying charges to the state", said Arseniy Yatsenyuk. |