Naftogas says Russian gas transit through Ukraine halvedMarch 30, 2012 - 15:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian gas transit volume to Europe via Ukraine has fallen by half to 200 million cubic meters from the planned 400 million cu m in the past two days, Ukraine's Naftogaz energy firm Deputy Board Chairman Vadim Chuprun said on Friday, March 30, RIA Novosti reported. "Yesterday short deliveries [from Russia] amounted to 180 million cubic meters... while today they stood at 200 million cu m," Chuprun said. The shortfall in deliveries was linked with lower demand from European consumers. "It may be because Europe does not need such volumes now," Chuprun added. Russia currently exports nearly 80 percent of its gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine, but Russian gas giant Gazprom has repeatedly said Kiev's importance in gas transit will be minimal after the South Stream pipeline comes on stream in 2015 and the new North Stream pipeline's capacity is increased. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |