Ukraine could face advance payment terms for gas as early as December - Gazprom

13:50, 31.10.2013 1 min read

Naftogaz Ukrainy could find it is required to make advance payments for Russian gas as early as December, assuming the accumulated debt for gas remains unpaid, Gazprom Deputy CEO Valery Golubev told journalists.

"They have said they may pay the debt," Golubev said. "They simply won't be able to switch to advance payment. It will be easier for them to find the money. That's my opinion."

"But the switch to advance payment is a provision of the contract. And if they don't actually make repayment soon - and all the deadlines have come and gone - it may turn out that, not having made advance payment in the course of November, December 1, they will wind up in a situation where this contract provision takes effect," he said.

"We don't want extreme measures and it would be extremely difficult for Ukraine too. So, most likely, the government will help Naftogaz," Golubev said.