CEZ-Gazprom contract to end this year

Prague, May 2 (CTK) - The contract between Czech semi-state energy group CEZ and Russian state-run energy group Gazprom will terminate this year, CEZ spokesman Ladislav Kriz told CTK today.

Direct gas supplies from Gazprom have a very low share in overall supplies to CEZ clients, he said.

"We are monitoring and evaluating the situation. We have not opened a rouble account in Gazprombanka," Kriz told daily Denik N earlier.

Other Czech energy suppliers do not buy gas directly from Gazprom but mostly on the energy exchange in Rotterdam or on brokerage platforms.

Gazprom discontinued the supplies of gas to Poland and Bulgaria last week, citing the partner utilities PGNiG and Bulgargaz's refusal to pay for the gas in roubles as demanded by Moscow.

tam/er