Prime Minister: E-auctions on permits and licenses for gas extraction is a step towards energy independence

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is finalizing a package of decisions, the adoption of which will allow the introduction of a system of electronic auctions in Ukraine to get permits and licenses for mining and, above all, gas production, and thus expanding the network of market players and strengthening energy independence of the state. As expected, the first documents will be approved by the end of July, while the first auctions can be conducted already at the beginning of 2019. These issues were considered at a Government meeting chaired by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman.

The Head of Government stressed that electronic bids are an element of transparency, and therefore efficiency and performance. Especially when it comes to the sector of gas extraction and subsoil use.

"This issue was closed for a long time - there was no political will to open it for the participants of the extraction industry, as the country was dependent, and we imported fuel. It's a current objective - we have to pass all necessary legislative framework by the end of July, in order to transparently grant permits, so that people see what is sold, where, who buys, how much gas will be extracted, how much it costs. For the first time in 27 years of independence we will open up the possibilities to ensure the country's rapid energy independence", stressed Volodymyr Groysman.