You're reading: Gazprom may lower gas prices for Ukraine in case of merger with Naftogaz

Gazprom may lower gas prices for Ukraine in case it merges with Naftogaz Ukrainy, Chairman of Gazprom's Board of Directors Alexei Miller told a press conference on Thursday.

"We can do our friends a favor provided there is understanding that it will be one company sharing common strategy goals," he said.

Miller added that negotiations are now underway with Gazprom’s Ukrainian counterparts on the corporate level for possibly reducing gas prices. "The Ukrainians are discussing a reduction in prices for Russian gas for the current period," he said.

He also said that Ukraine is now receiving Russian gas at $100 below the market rate. "Ukraine gets gas at $297 per 1,000 cubic meters for the second quarter," Miller said.

"Evidently, Naftogaz Ukrainy, and not only them but Ukraine is general, might be able to settle many issues by accepting our offer for merging Naftogaz Ukrainy and creating a unified company," Miller said.