Norway to give grant Naftogaz via EBRD for buying gas

MOSCOW. Feb 26 (Interfax) - Norway will give a grant to Naftogaz Group via the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for buying gas, Ukrainian media said, citing the company website.

The grant is part of a large assistance package aimed to support Ukraine's energy security. In total, Norway allots about 380 million euros for buying gas, repairing power networks, acquiring emergency generators, and providing nuclear security.

As reported with the reference to Naftogaz Group head Roman Chumak, the gas situation in Ukraine is challenging but not critical and remains under control. In his words, Naftogaz is importing gas in the amounts sufficient for balancing the system and accommodating needs of all categories of consumers.

In turn, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said in early February that Ukraine would have to import at least 1 billion cubic meters of gas before the end of this year. In his words, Naftogaz of Ukraine has credit lines, including the 200-million-euro credit line from the EBRD, besides its own funds. Grants and gas supply funded by a grant are also possible, he said.