PM Honcharuk: Certification of GTS operator opens way to signing of gas transit agreement

The European Commission has confirmed that Ukraine’s gas transmission system operator is unbundled and set to operate in line with EU law, Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk has stated.
"This is one of the most important reforms in the gas sector. In 4 months we managed to accomplish things that have failed to be done in 3 years. Now the GTSO will operate in line with the European rules. It is essential for the uninterrupted transit of gas to Europe via Ukraine, as agreed in trilateral gas talks,” he said, the Government portal reported.

Over the past four months, the model of unbundling was approved, the relevant law was adopted, and the documents for certification of the GTSO were submitted. On December 24, 2019, following the approval of the European Commission, the GTSO was certified, which paved the way for the signing of the gas transit agreement. From January 1, 2020, the GTSO will start operating.

The government stresses that Ukraine remains a reliable partner for transportation of gas to the EU and the effective and uninterrupted operation of the Ukrainian gas transmission system is important for both suppliers and consumers from the EU countries, as it will ensure competition in European energy markets, which will allow decreasing gas prices for consumers.

As Ukrinform reported, the Secretariat of the Energy Community on December 17 issued the positive conclusion on the certification of LLC GTS Operator of Ukraine as an operator of the gas transmission system.

From January 1, 2020, gas transportation activities will be separated from the structure of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine. Ukraine will get an independent GTS operator which will become a counterparty in future transit contracts.