Gazprom has agreed to supply gas at a discount to a Ukrainian tycoon, whose past role in gas deals ended after a price row in 2009, a company source said Wednesday, as concerns mount over Ukraine's ability to foot its import bill.
Dmytro Firtash's Ostchem holding will purchase 5 billion cubic meters of gas to put into underground storage, at a 30 to 36 percent discount to the price Ukraine pays for Russian gas, the source added, confirming newspaper reports.
Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller has said the transit of Russian gas exports to Europe is at risk again due to low levels of gas in underground storage in Ukraine ahead of winter, when cold weather pushes up demand.
Ostchem declined to comment. Gazprom had no official comment.
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