Apart from large-scale implementation of energy efficiency measures, increase of own gas production and Ukraine’s obligations to the European Union, it is of paramount importance for us to carry out far-reaching reforms of the gas sector As a result of these reforms, the Government sees creation of conditions for functioning of the international gas hub on the infrastructure of the GTS /UGS and preservation of gas transit volumes from Russia to the European Union with the entry point of Russian gas in eastern Ukraine. This was stated by Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Kistion during his speech at the round table devoted to the reforms of the gas sector.

He recalled the core objective of the Government is to make Ukraine energy independent and to switch from the gas importer to the gas exporter country.

According to the line Vice Prime Minister, the government team is currently engaged in drafting of four strategic objectives of the gas reform, in particular, the creation of a free gas market, the provision of own gas production, and the reduction of the consumption of expensive energy resources through energy efficiency measures  and the fight against corruption.

He informed that the new independent operator of the gas transmission system of Ukraine – PJSC Mahistralni Gazoprovody Ukrainy (MGU) is ready to work. The corporate governance plan for this company was approved, funding issue was resolved as well as the selection of independent chief executive and the formation of the Supervisory Board were completed. On the eve of the new 2018 year registration process of MHU was completed and the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine registered company shares on December 28, 2017.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a decree containing the exact terms of unbundling of the Naftogaz of Ukraine. The said document stipulates for a clear mechanism and timing for the transfer of assets by Ukrtransgaz to a new independent gas operator of Ukraine Mahistralni Gazoprovody Ukrainy PJSC needed to start full-fledged operation after a final decision of the Stockholm arbitration will be approved. In parallel, this is the task of the MPs, the bill № 6428, which bring to a close the issue concerning the reform of corporate governance of state-owned companies, should be approved", stressed the Vice Prime Minister.

"Our next important task is to conduct a qualitative competition aimed to attract an international partner to participate in the management of PJSC Mahistralni Hazoprovody Ukrainy. The ultimate goal of this process is to create favorable conditions for the prolongation of long-term transit of Russian gas to the EU after 2020 through the Ukrainian GTS and guaranteeing the energy security of Ukraine and Europe. In order to cope adequately with these comprehensive tasks, the synergy of the Government, the Parliament and state-owned companies Naftogaz of Ukraine and  MHU is of utmost importance", underscored Volodymyr Kistion and called on all stakeholders to be engaged in constructive work.