European companies export half of EU gas to Ukraine after market liberalization – Naftogaz head

European companies currently export half of the gas from the European Union to Ukraine after the new law on the gas market took effect in the country, Naftogaz Ukrainy Board Chairman Andriy Kobolev said at the Ukrainian-German business forum in Berlin on October 23.
"What has changed from October 1? Before, almost all the gas from the EU was imported by Naftogaz Ukrainy and then it was sold to local consumers. Now European companies export half of the gas, and Ukrainian private companies import some volumes," he said.
Kobolev said that these European companies sell their gas directly to Ukrainian consumers thanks to the liberalization of market.
He said that Germany is playing a very important role in supplying gas Ukraine. He said that around 48% of gas Ukraine imported from Europe over the whole period of reverse supplies was bought from German companies.
"I hope that cooperation can only grow," Kobolev added.