Ukraine’s pipelines carried 53.2 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia to the EU and Moldova during the first seven months of this year, up 4.4% over the same period last year,

Ukraine’s pipelines carried 53.2 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia to the EU and Moldova during the first seven months of this year, up 4.4% over the same period last year, reports Interfax-Ukraine, drawing on data from Uktransgaz, the state pipeline company. If current rates are maintained, Ukraine will carry 90 bcm, slightly above last year’s level. Next month, at 3-way gas transit talks, the EU is expected to ask for a 10-year transit contract guaranteeing 60 bcm flowing across Ukraine. Russia is expected to argue that it will not need Ukraine after 2021 because Nord Stream 2 will open next year with a capacity of 55 bcm.