European consumers will face higher prices unless Kiev agrees to extend the deal for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine after it expires on December 31. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by "Reuters", warned about this.
Ukraine has repeatedly said it has no plans for a new gas transit agreement with Russia given the ongoing military conflict.
Peskov said that if Kiev does not extend the deal, Russia may find alternative routes, such as the planned Turkish gas hub.
"There are other routes, but, of course, such decisions by the Ukrainian side will cause serious damage to the interests of European consumers, those who still want to buy more guaranteed, more affordable Russian gas," he pointed out he.
He said Europe would have to pay more for gas from other sellers, including for liquefied natural gas supplied by the United States.
Most recipients of Russian gas through Ukraine have said they are preparing to halt flows later this year when a transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia expires as Kiev says it does not want to renew it.
Another option is "Gazprom" to deliver part of the gas via another route, for example via "Turkish Stream", Bulgaria, Serbia or Hungary. However, capacity on these routes is limited.
The EU and Ukraine have asked Azerbaijan to facilitate discussions with Russia on the gas transit deal.