Gazprom Threatens To Cut Off Gas Supply To Kyrgyzstan
By Eurasianet
OilPrice.com
Sat, 20 February 2016
When Russian gas giant Gazprom bought up Kyrgyzstan’s natural gas distribution system in 2014, some grumbled about loss of sovereignty, while others were relieved the purchase meant gas cut-offs could become a thing of the past.
So there will be some dismay if Gazprom-Kyrgyzstan, as the local affiliate is called, follows through on threats to suspend gas supplies in the country.
News website Zanoza.kg on February 18 reported that Olga Lavrova, Gazprom-Kyrgyzstan’s deputy general director for finances, said the danger of a cut-off has been precipitated by a dispute over debt with German-owned plate glass manufacturer Interglass.
“Because of the debts owed by Interglass, the whole of Kyrgyzstan could end up without gas,” Lavrova was quoted as saying.
Gazprom-Kyrgyzstan has since its incorporation been engaged in an uphill battle to force its customers to pay for the fuel that they use. Interglass is by far the largest delinquent debtor with 698 million som in unpaid bills and another 419 million som in interest outstanding on those debts, according to the gas supplier. As of February 1, that puts Interglass’ total debt to Gazprom at a whopping $15 million at the current rate.
The Rest…HERE
