Representatives of the business community highlight the lack of transparency in the tariff-setting process.
"Discussions on the draft decisions of the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NKREKU) regarding tariffs are not being held, even though the calculation data for the tariffs of the Gas Transmission System Operator (GTSO) is not classified as restricted access information," experts from the EBA note.
With the cessation of gas transit starting in 2025, according to the Association, the number of active compressor stations may decrease from 73 to 20–25. In this regard, the EBA suggests excluding tariffs for stations that are not in use and conducting an inventory of the GTSO's assets.
Experts also point out the possibility of reducing costs for the GTSO through participation in exchange trading, where Ukrainian gas is 20% cheaper than imported gas.
"When calculating tariffs, it is advisable to take into account the forecast price of natural gas in the Ukrainian gas market," the Association emphasizes.
The EBA warns about the negative impact of increasing tariffs on the industry.
"The increase in the financial burden on gas production companies will lead to a reduction in investments to develop new fields and wells, which will decrease gas production volumes and potentially increase dependence on imports," experts caution.
In this context, the European Business Association urges the NKREKU to maintain tariffs at their current level and ensure transparency in the tariff-setting process. The Association also proposes involving business representatives in the development of a methodology for determining tariff levels, taking into account transit and gas production volumes.