Moscow admits theoretical possibility of gas discount for Ukraine

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has admitted the theoretical possibility of a gas discount to Ukraine for summer gas supplies.

"The contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz stipulates the possibility of providing a discount. In 2013 and 2014 a discount was provided. Theoretically, there is such a possibility. If we receive respective requests from the Ukrainian side, the Russian government can consider this possibility. This is not a price discount but a decision on export duty. The discount that we have now in the 'winter package' is a discount within the limits of the export duty. We will be considering the possibility of providing this kind of discount," TASS cited his interview to the Russia-24 TV news channel. 

At the same time, the exact amount of the discount will be influenced by several factors: the environment, the competitiveness of Russian gas. "This is the subject of separate agreements," Novak said.