According to the President, the fact that Lithuania did not agree with demands to give up its energy independence, the tactics and dignified posture in negotiations with Gazprom are yielding results. She noted that Gazprom's proposals could be considered, but we need a full package of proposals in written form concerning not only the gas price, but also the quantities and contract terms. Only then we will be able to say whether the proposal is acceptable for Lithuania.
"Lithuania cannot afford any more getting bogged down in long-term and restrictive agreements as it did after the sale of Lietuvos Dujos to Gazprom. Lithuania will only consider those proposals of Gazprom that are in the interests of the state and the people. The situation when Gazprom applied to Lithuania political prices and Lithuanian citizens overpaid so dramatically for gas must not re-occur," the President said.
The President underlines that Lithuania's negotiating position on gas prices is much stronger - we will have a liquefied natural gas terminal before the end of this year, Lithuania is considerably reducing the use of gas by actively developing renewable energy, besides, Lithuania's long-term agreement with Gazprom will expire at the end of 2015. Therefore, according to the President, Lithuania should not get bound by long-term commitments with the Russian gas monopolist.
Lithuania has filed with the Stockholm Arbitration Tribunal a LTL 4 billion lawsuit against gas monopolist Gazprom concerning unfair gas pricing. Also, the European Commission at Lithuania's initiative has launched an antitrust probe against Gazprom within Europe.
The President and the Prime Minister will discuss Gazprom's proposals to Lithuania concerning gas prices after receipt of a written offer.
