Gas passions

Since April 10, 2006, the RosUkrEnergo company has reduced gas supplies to Ukraine by 50%. Company representatives say that the price of gas for Ukraine in the second half of 2006 may increase. The attempt to “put Ukraine in its place” has already resulted in interruptions in energy supplies to Europe. In response, Kyiv says it will sharply increase prices for transit of Russian gas. It seems that all this show of force will force European countries to think hard about how to cope with energy dependence on Russia.