National joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy has fully lost control over public joint-stock company Ukrtatnafta after the law on joint-stock companies (JSC) was changed, Naftogaz Head Andriy Kobolev has said in an interview with ZN.UA.

"Lawmakers often say that they helped Naftogaz that manages a state-owned stake in Ukrnafta to receive control over the company. On the other hand, these legislation amendments "helped" to fully lose control over another important company – Ukrtatnafta," he said.

Kobolev said that oil refining business of Ukrtatnafta is attractive today.

"With low oil prices and current high petrol prices in Ukraine this is a profit-making business. When one says that this was a right decision, there is at least one question: what we gained and what we lost? We have fully lost control over Ukrtatnafta. If earlier we were able to attempt to restore it, now it is impossible," he said.

He said that control over Ukrtatnafta allows Privat Group to influence Ukrnafta's business.

"Anyway Ukrnafta managers, its board chairman whoever he is would have to agree with Ihor Kolomoisky on refining of oil at the only oil refinery [in Ukraine] – Ukrtatnafta," Kobolev said.