Prices on oil increased by 0.9% from January 1, 2006. It can be explained by the fact that gas consumers turn to other sources of fuel.
After Russia stopped gas supplies to Ukraine, prices on gas in European countries increased by 6%, in England - by 19%. Prices on oil grow by 2 reasons: because of problems with Russian gas supplies and reduction of oil supplies from Iraq.
European producers of electric power have to increase production of energy in more expensive, comparing with gas ones, electric stations, working on oil products. 1/5 of all electric power in Europe is produced by heat-electric generating plants, working on gas.
Talking about oil supplies from Iraq - they decreased till 1.1 millions barrels per day. Therefore, oil supplies returned to the level of 2003.
On January 1, 2006, "Gazprom" decreased pressure on entrance of Ukrainian gas-transport system. After this measure several European countries declared about failure of pressure in thier gas pipelines. In particular, deficit in Austria amounted to 18% from total amount of natural gas, and in Hungary - 40%.
"Gazprom" accused Ukraine in unauthorized Russian gas takeoff while gas passing through Ukrainian networks. In particular, for one day - January 1, 2006 - Ukraine has stolen more than 100 millions of cubic meters of gas with total cost of more than $25 millions.
On January 2 "Gazprom" promised to deliver additional 95 millions of cubic meters of gas as a compensation. By January 3 pressure in gas pipelines of European countries was restored. But this fact didn`t cause the decrease of prices on oil and gas.
sections: Economics, World News |