MOSCOW, 4 Jun - RIA Novosti/Prime. Minister of energy Alexander Novak did not rule out the government decision to grant Ukraine a discount on gas from Russia as of 1 July for two quarters, before the end of the year.

"The issue will be worked out before the end of June. This is discussed: one quarter or two quarters, before the end of the year. There are various options. We are still in the government, This issue will be obliged to discuss, " said Novak correspondents, answering a question about a discount on gas.

in the 1st quarter of 2015 Ukraine received gas from Russia at a profit of $ 100 per thousand cubic meters, which was provided at the expense of export duties under the so-called "winter package" agreed by the end of October 2014 after long negotiations With the participation of the European Commission. The validity of the "winter package" expired March 31, but the Government of the Russian Federation provided the same discount and for the second quarter. It was indicated the intention to adopt an opinion on the quarterly discount.

Novak Also confirmed that the ongoing development of a tripartite Protocol on gas supplies from Russia to Ukraine to the Ministerial meeting, which may pass under the end of June.

yesterday the Minister told reporters that the draft Protocol provides for the pumping of gas into Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities in the early winter of Over 19 billion cubic meters. Also, according to his statement, the Protocol will reflect the provision of financial assistance by the European Commission for the purchase of gas by Ukraine In the absence of funds.

currently the European Commission brings together with Russian and Ukrainian sides of the draft Protocol, prepared after different meetings at the expert level, said Last news on Wednesday in the EC, noting that the purpose of this paper is to find out which will cover the entire winter season 2015-2016.

sections: Politics