Moscow, Jun 29 (IANS): Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that the gas price for Ukraine in the third quarter will be based on the formula under a contract signed between the two countries.
"According to preliminary estimates, the prices for gas won't be above the market prices. Therefore, there is no need for discount on gas for Ukraine," Novak said in an interview with TV channel Russia 24 on Tuesday.
Earlier, energy firm Naftogaz of Ukraine refused to buy Russian gas at a price of $177 per thousand cubic metres, referring to the fact that this price is higher than the offer in Europe, Xinhua news agency reported.
Novak said that the pricing formula involves the valuation of oil and petroleum products over a period of several quarters.
"The relevant calculations for the third quarter will be made in the end of the month," he added.