Economy Ministry: Slovakia Ready for Stoppage of Gas Transit via Ukraine

Bratislava, December 31 (TASR) - Slovakia has prepared in advance for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to be halted as of January 1, 2025, and it has sufficient gas reserves and alternative supplies ready for next year, the Economy Ministry's press department stated on Tuesday, adding that if the situation concerning the transit of Russian gas isn't resolved by early 2025, Europe will have to deal with a difficult situation before next year's winter heating season. "We've discussed the transit of gas through Ukraine for a long time, including at joint meetings of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments, and negotiations with Russia have also taken place. We've discussed several alternatives. However, Ukraine has decided to take a unilateral step that will also damage Slovakia. At the same time, I want to assure all people and companies in Slovakia that we're prepared for this scenario and that there is currently no risk of gas shortages in Slovakia," said Vice-premier and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD). According to her, Slovakia is technically well-prepared for the stoppage of gas supplies from Russia via Ukraine. State-owned gas utility SPP has 20 percent more gas in underground storage tanks than it did a year ago. Moreover, the storage tanks contracted by SPP are also practically 100 percent full at the end of December, which is unusual at this time of year. The state-owned gas utility company has a diversified portfolio of gas supplies from five other major international energy suppliers - BP, Exxon Mobil, Shell, RWE and ENI. am/df