Naftogaz not planning to resume gas purchases from Gazprom from April 1

Naftogaz Ukrainy is not planning to resume gas purchases from Russia's Gazprom starting on April 1, 2016, because the price offered by the company for the second quarter of 2016 is higher than that offered by Naftogaz's European suppliers.

Gazprom also rejected Naftogaz's proposal to extend the winter package of agreements, which set the transitional terms of buying Russian gas for Ukraine, a Naftogaz spokesperson said.

"Naftogaz remains open to talks over securing market terms for buying Russian gas. The transportation of Russian gas to European consumers will be carried out smoothly, in line with the terms of the contract between the parties and the existing laws," the Naftogaz spokesperson said.