Russian customs offices block coal shipments to Ukraine - media

The Russian newspaper Kommersant writes citing an informed source.

"Both energy and coking coal shipped to Ukrainian consumers are blocked by Russia customs," said a source in one of the Russian coal mining companies.

It is noted that this information was confirmed by representatives of operators. But, said one of them, the coal transit through Ukraine is conducted as usual.

However, according to some data, it’s too early to connect the statement made by the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak to terminate supplies of coal to Kyiv in response to power supply cuts to Crimea and the difficulties encountered in exporting: perhaps it is due to red tape on both sides of the border. Also, a newspaper’s source in the government of the Russian Federation stated that they haven’t received orders on this yet, the possibility of counter actions is only being considered.

Novak said on Tuesday that Russia could ban supplies of coal to Ukraine in response to its energy blockade of Crimea.