The IMF can delay the next tranche to Ukraine due to the problems of "Naftogaz"

The International Monetary Fund may suspend the issuance of another tranche from the loan to Ukraine. The Ukrainian side does not fulfill the obligations to reduce the budget deficit NAK Naftogaz Ukraine, said independent energy expert Alexander Narbut.

The reduction in the budget deficit "Naftogaz" is one of the conditions for the provision of the next tranche of the IMF. Gas prices for the population are still lower than the market, despite the August increase by 50%, and the main gas seller in the country Naftogaz works at a loss, RIA Novosti reports.

The Ukrainian authorities have announced plans to gradually reduce the budget deficit "Naftogaz" by 2011.

"If the IMF follow the letter and spirit of those agreements that signed with the new government of Azarov, then, at least, we can state the delay in the issuance of the next tranche, and maybe the suspension of cooperation," Narbut said.

Naftogaz budget deficit, according to agreements with the IMF, should not exceed 1% of GDP. "This condition has not been fulfilled, there are no real actions of the government that would imply a reduction in this deficit in the future," the expert said.

According to Narbut, the plannedanother increase in gas prices for the population by 50% in April will not save the situation.

Meanwhile, according to Ukrainian Pravda , Naftogaz calculated with Gazprom for natural gas imported in October. The company transferred Gazprom about 1.063 billion US dollars.

"The price of natural gas for the company in the fourth quarter of this year is about $ 253," Naftogaz said.

According to the terms of the additional agreement to the basic contract concluded between Naftogaz and Gazprom on April 21, 2010, the price of natural gas is determined taking into account a discount of $ 100 per thousand cubic meters.