Despite Western pressure the Ukrainian government protects gas schemes

September 12, 2017

Energy sector reforms have been suspended just after the beginning. European partners are disappointed: Kyiv deceives them. Ukrainian consumers continue to pay to offshore intermediaries. Razumkov Centre’s expert on energy issues Volodymyr Omelchenko explains the reasons for this situation. “There is an oligarchic consensus between the state top managers and the big business that controls regional gas companies”, — he said. The expert points out that the monopoly position of regional gas companies is the main factor in raising gas prices for the population, as well as raising the purchase prices. Omelchenko stresses that in exchange for the monopoly right to sale gas to the population regional gas companies are responsible for the repair of gas networks.

However, how much money is invested in modernization and how well it is done nobody controls. “There are simply no such authorities in public bodies”, — expert said.


Volodymyr Omelchenko

Director, Energy Programmes


Born in 1967 in Kyiv

Education: Kyiv Politechnic Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering (1992)

Author of over 50 scientific works and op-ed publications. Took part in development and implementation of international energy projects and scientific research in international energy policy

Employment:

1992 – 1996 — worked in different positions in the mechanical engineering industry

1997 – 1998 — Head Expert of the Division of Oil, Gas and Petroleum Refining Industry of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

1998 – 2003 — Naftohaz Ukrayiny National Joint-Stock Company, in Charge of Oil Transportation Section

2004 – 2007 — Chief Consultant at the National Institute of International Security Problems of Ukraine’s NSDC

since February, 2007 — Leading Expert, Razumkov Centre. Director of Energy Programmes since 2013

(044) 206-85-02

omelchenko@razumkov.org.ua

volodymyr.omelchenko