Repeat of gas crisis less likely, says energy minister

http://www.bbj.hu/index.php?col=1004&cat=1004&id=50754

Tuesday 16:42, November 10th, 2009

Energy Minister Péter Hónig told Parliament's European affairs committee that Hungary is preparing its energy supply for the winter, adding that risk of another gas crisis such as the one in January had been reduced.

The European Union and international financial institutions could finance Ukraine's gas purchases, thus reducing the chance of another gas crisis, Hónig said.

Last January, gas deliveries from Russia to Europe via Ukraine were cut off because of a row between Moscow and Kiev.

Hungary's gas reserves had been filled to 3.5 billion cubic meters by the end of October, Hónig said. Strategic reserves will contain 1.2 billion cubic meters of gas by then end of the year, he added.

The cost of the strategic reserves will be covered by consumers, Hónig said, answering a question. (MTI – Econews)