NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy has approved the creation of Naftogaz Oil Trading LLC in the oil division of the group, which will be engaged in trade with oil and petroleum products.
The decision of the shareholders – Ukrtransnafta – dated October 3, 2019 was posted on the website of the oil transmission network operator of Ukraine.
The directorate of Ukrtransnafta is to take the required measures to register Naftogaz Oil Trading LLC and ensure its further functioning.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has acquired one-fifth (for EUR 120 million) of five-year eurobonds issued by Naftogaz in the amount of EUR 600 million, the bank has said.
“The eurobond proceeds are issued for general corporate purposes including the financing of gas purchases. The bank’s financing will be used exclusively for gas purchases. The transaction will contribute to Ukraine’s energy security, ensuring procurement of natural gas for the upcoming 2019/2020 winter heating season in the country,” the bank said on its website.
As reported, on July 12 Naftogaz Ukrainy placed two tranches of eurobonds denominated in euros and U.S. dollars: EUR 600 million for five years at 7.125% and $335 million at 7.375% per annum for three years. The anchor investors of the issue were the EBRD and a number of U.S. investors. The initial benchmark yield of dollar eurobonds was about 7.75%, eurobonds in euros about 7.5%.
Earlier, Naftogaz announced the need to urgently raise funds for the accumulation of increased volume of gas in storage facilities for winter – 20 billion cubic meters to be ready for a possible termination of transit by Gazprom from January 1, 2020 and strengthen its position in negotiations with the Russian gas monopoly.
JSC Ukrtransnafta has transferred 100% of its net profit in the amount of UAH 1.463 billion for 2018 in dividends to Naftogaz Ukrainy.
The press service of the company said last year the company also sent 100% of its net profit for 2017 in the amount of UAH 2.139 billion to pay dividends.
As reported, Ukrtransnafta in 2018 reduced its net profit by 31.6% (by UAH 676.454 million) compared to 2017, to UAH 1.463 billion. Net sales income rose by 2.3%, to UAH 3.873 billion, while gross profit decreased by 21.2%, to UAH 1.452 billion.
In 2018, Ukrtransnafta transported 15.436 million tonnes of oil, including 13.335 million tonnes in transit to European refineries, 1.344 million tonnes of domestic oil and 680,500 tonnes of imported oil to the refineries of Ukraine.
Ukrtransnafta, 100% managed by NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy, is the operator of the oil transportation system of Ukraine.
NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy will reduce the price of natural gas for the population by 11.7% (by UAH 648) compared to the June price, to UAH 4,905 for 1,000 cubic meters (excluding VAT, shipping costs and supplier margins), the press service of the company has said. Naftogaz focused on the fact that the final price for consumers will depend on the tariff for gas distribution.
As reported, according to government resolution No. 485 of June 5, 2019, from June Naftogaz is obliged to sell gas to the population at the minimum price of the four market values: the average price of imports according to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (UAH 5,161), the company’s price for industry (UAH 5,017), the average weighted price on the Ukrainian Energy Exchange (UAH 4,905), and public service obligations according to resolution No. 867 (the price is calculated in the amount of UAH 7,185).
NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy has completed repayments under the loan agreements worth $500 million received under the World Bank’s guarantees and state guarantees, the press service of the company has reported.
According to Naftogaz, within the framework of these loan agreements, which were signed on December 30, 2016, the company managed to purchase about 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the European direction over two years.
“In general, since 2014, Naftogaz has redeemed the state-guaranteed loan debt amounting to about $3.2 billion in a timely manner and in full. Naftogaz’s loan portfolio has decreased by 6.6 times since 2014 and is a record low,” Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolev said.
The company noted the important role of further cooperation with the creditors and noted that this year the company plans to pump 3 billion cubic meters of gas more into underground gas storage facilities (20 billion cubic meters) compared to the previous year.
NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy in July will cut the price of natural gas for the needs of households by 8% compared with the price in June, to UAH 5,803 per 1,000 cubic meters (VAT and transportation and distribution costs not included), Chairman of Naftogaz Executive Board Andriy Kobolev has written on his Facebook page.
“Gas on the international market is becoming cheaper again. Thanks to this, Naftogaz reduces gas prices for industrial consumers by almost 8% in June. According to the government’s decision, the price of Naftogaz for commercial consumers forms the price of gas for households that is valid next month,” he wrote.
As reported, Cabinet of Ministers resolution No. 867 dated October 19, 2018 extended the period of validity of public service obligations (PSO) for Naftogaz to sell natural gas for the needs of the households, producers of heat energy and religious organizations until May 1, 2020.
The situation on the European market since spring 2019 has led to a decrease in the market price of gas below the government-set regulatory level for households.
The government made amendments, according to which, under PSO, the prices of gas for households and heat suppliers is calculated as the average price of gas supplied by Naftogaz to industrial consumers that was in effect in the month preceding the month of delivery.
