Ukrainian Antimonopoly Committee accuses Gazprom of violating contract with Naftogaz

The Antimonopoly Committee concluded in a preliminary report made public in Kyiv on Thursday that Gazprom had ignored any demands that it economically substantiate the terms and conditions of its cooperation with Naftogaz, particularly those concerning the volume of gas transportation across Ukraine and its cost. "We expect Gazprom representatives to attend the next hearing concerning the possible abuse of monopolistic position," Ukrainian Antimonopoly Committee chief Yuriy Terentyev said. He pointed out that these were preliminary conclusions of the antitrust investigation, and the hearing is scheduled for January 14. The Ukrainian Antimonopoly Committee had forwarded the preliminary conclusions to Naftogaz and Gazprom at the end of November, Terentyev said. Naftogaz said in response that it agreed with the findings, while Gazprom has not offered any answer, he said.