Azerbaijan, Baku, April 5 / Trend A.Akhundov /
Azerbaijan is ready to resume deliveries of crude oil to the Ukraine, the Minister of Industry and Energy Natig Aliyev, taking part in a meeting with members of the Caspian-European Integration Business Club (CEIBC) told journalists on Friday.
"Ukraine's interest in oil deliveries from Azerbaijan was announced during a meeting with the Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Eduard Stavitsky. In this case Ukraine should create appropriate preferential terms. This issue is being discussed. If Ukraine launches relevant initiatives, Azerbaijan is ready to resume deliveries of crude oil," Aliyev said.
According to him, Azerbaijan suspended oil exports to Ukraine in 2012 due to the creation of the Customs Union and the deliveries of Russian oil to Belarus at lower prices. In these circumstances, Azerbaijani oil could not withstand competition, he said.
With regard to the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine the Minister said that Azerbaijan is considering proposals of Ukraine on swap deliveries.
During the meeting with Aliyev Stavitsky a proposal was made on swap deliveries through Russia.
"This proposal is interesting, but needs smoothing out and resolution of some technical issues. This is due to payment for transport services with participation of several companies in the projec. Taking this into account, it will be difficult to organise swap gas deliveries to the Ukraine in 2014," Aliyev said.