He added that Lithuania’s 5-billion-litas (EUR 1.45b) suit filed with Stockholm arbitration was one of the major points discussed during the meeting with Miller in Vilnius on Friday. Butkevičius also admitted that Lithuania would probably sign a new gas supply contract with Gazprom, which, however, would not be long-term.
“Arbitration is the most sensitive, one of probably the most sensitive issues for them. But we agreed that, once they go back, they would send us the issues in writing and then it will be time for experts to talk,” Butkevičius said in an interview to BNS in Druskininkai on Friday afternoon.
“As far as the withdrawal of the suit is concerned, we told them that we have no such possibilities, do not see such possibilities now. This is something to discuss separately after comparing the price of gas in Lithuania with those in other countries. The extent of damages has been established and those damages may be reimbursed as may be agreed. I don’t see any other options,” Butkevičius said.
He refused to disclose the price of gas offered by Gazprom to Lithuania.
“I know the prices, which are being offered now. However, I cannot say anything, it’s a commercial secret. If you want to know, I am not optimistic. Not yet optimistic. Not yet… I’m only optimistic about the fact that he said that the price for Lithuania might be reduced and they are inclined to do that,” Butkevičius said.
He confirmed that Gazprom was still willing to postpone the deadline for the implementation of the European Union’s (EU) Third Energy Package.
“There are certain wishes all the time, but we stated clearly that this issue can no longer be discussed,” he told BNS.
Speaking about a possibility to sign a new long-term gas supply contract for a period starting from 2015, Butkevičius said: “… a long-term contract will most probably not be signed but there will be no trade if there is no contract. We clearly have to keep that in mind. The capacities of the LNG terminal will not be sufficient to fully meet our demand. Hence there will be some contract but I cannot say today what it might be like.”
