Joint venture of Naftogaz and Gazprom will not soon

On the issue of merger of Naftogaz Ukrainy and Gazprom progress yet. This Deputy Minister of Fuel and Energy of Ukraine Volodymyr Makukha. "There are contacts, regularly discusses this matter, but to talk about some real progress today, I would not dare. While the question is, shall we say, in the initial stage and no decision has been taken, "- noted the deputy minister. According to Mr Makukha, the question - is extremely complex, and generally to be able to speak about a joint venture, the necessary changes to Ukrainian law, because today, for example, 7 of the Law on Pipeline Transport expressly prohibits any transactions for the transfer of assets of Naftogaz. It was reported that Gazprom may transfer the existing gas fields in the Astrakhan region in a joint venture with Naftogaz. We also recall that Gazprom intends to select an appraiser of assets to be made by the parties created by the joint venture company. Earlier, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said that proposed by Gazprom to jointly develop gas fields in the Astrakhan Region and the Yamal Peninsula could be the basis for a joint venture of Naftogaz and Gazprom. At the same time, the rating agency Fitch predicts that the possible establishment of a joint venture of Naftogaz and Gazprom could adversely affect the rating of Ukrainian holding company in the short term. Ministry of Industry