Gazprom's compensation to Lithuania for overpayment for natural gas totals to LTL 331 million (EUR 95.9 million). LTL 42 million (EUR 12.2 million) of the amount will reach household consumers over two years. The rest will be recovered by businesses under procedures established by the National Commission for Energy Control and Prices (VKEKK).
According to the prime minister, as Gazprom reduced gas price retroactively, Lietuvos Dujos will be paid LTL 331 million (EUR 95.9 million) in compensation for the period between January 2013 and May 2014.
Butkevicius said that the compensation will reach consumers through lower gas bills. While the total value of the agreement, calculated based on imported gas volume accounting for no less than 40% of the consumed amount, may reach around LTL 800 million (EUR 231.7 million).
When asked about compensations for district heating consumers, Butkevicius related it to heat providing companies.
"Companies which have contracts with Lietuvos Dujos may receive compensation through reduced prices, however, the exact amount is being calculated. (...)," the prime minister said.
To the prime minister's knowledge Lietuvos Dujos did not send a letter to Gazprom withdrawing any claims in return for better gas price. Instead, the company abandoned arbitration proceedings due to successful bilateral negotiations.
Butkevicius said that Lietuvos Dujos' position and agreements with Gazprom have no impact on Stockholm Arbitration as Lithuania's dispute with Gazprom arises from completely different contracts. Meanwhile, internal documents and decisions of Lietuvos Dujos are commercial and confidential information and cannot be announced publicly.
According to Butkevicius, what may hinder the arbitration process are public discussions and speculations regarding agreements between Lietuvos Dujos and Gazprom.
