Rada bans privatization of underground gas storage facilities

The corresponding decision was supported by 292 lawmakers, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We’ve said that we may have mistakes. We have them. These amendments are introduced to regulate the issue that the gas storage facilities like other parts of the GTS remain fully owned by the state. I would like to apologize that we make such mistakes. I hope that there will be less of them in the future," said Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov, presenting the document in the session hall.

Energy and Environmental Protection Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Orzhel said that the changes had been agreed on with European partners.

"We have previously agreed on this bill with our European partners. It gives us the opportunity to carry out certification and enter into negotiations. Any hesitation is contrary to the interests of Ukraine," Orzhel stressed.

As reported, on October 31, the Parliament approved at second reading the draft law on amendments to certain laws of Ukraine on the separation of natural gas transportation activities.

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