Slovakia prepared to likely gas flow suspension from Ukraine

Slovak gas transmission company Eustream spokesman Vahram Chuguryan said on Tuesday that the company is able to provide reverse gas supplies from the Czech Republic and Austria immediately.

Chuguryan made the remarks following media reports that gas transit to Europe through Ukraine is at serious risk.

"We're also able to ensure a reserve flow from western to eastern Slovakia," he said, noting that the volume of gas transported in this way exceeds Slovakia's current consumption.

Slovak Economy Minister Pavol Pavlis is set to meet senior representatives of gas utility SPP and gas transport operator Eustream this Friday to discuss the current situation vis-a-vis gas supplies to and across Ukraine.

"The economy minister has summoned a consultation with the top representatives of SPP and Eustream to learn more about whether households and facilities such as hospitals, schools, retirement homes and industry are under threat in terms of gas supplies in the weeks ahead," said ministry spokesperson Miriam Ziakova, adding that Pavlis is being updated on Slovakia's gas reserves each morning. Endit