BRUSSELS (AFP)--The E.U.'s Czech presidency Friday demanded the "immediate resumption" of full gas supplies to E.U. members, following drops recorded in Poland and Hungary amid Russia's dispute with Ukraine.
"The European Union calls for an urgent solution to the commercial dispute on gas supplies from the Russian Federation to Ukraine, and for an immediate resumption of full deliveries of gas to the E.U. member states," the presidency said in a statement.
"Energy relations between the E.U. and its neighbors should be based on reliability and predictability. Existing commitments to supply and transit have to be honored under all circumstances," it said.
The European Commission, in a separate statement, said it received reports from Hungary and Poland of "irregularities in gas received through the Ukrainian gas pipelines."
Hungary has seen a drop of around 10 million cubic meters, almost a quarter of the contracted supply, while Poland has seen a 6% fall, the commission said.
In the Polish case, the shortfall was being offset by increased volumes coming from Russia via Belarus.
"I will be in contact with all the parties involved to identify the causes of the irregularities and ask for the immediate resumption of full deliveries of gas to the E.U. members" said E.U. Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
Russia cut supplies for the Ukrainian market on New Year's Day over a payment dispute.
Moscow Friday accused Ukraine of "stealing" gas bound for European customers, a charge denied by Ukraine.
-Dow Jones Newswires, 201-938-5500
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Publié le 02 janvier 2009 Copyright © 2009 Dowjones