Kyiv: Purchasing coal in the USA is a justified step
In an interview with the television program Persha Spalta, Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Ihor Nasalik said that the purchase of coal from the United States of America is a justified step and it has nothing to do with corruption.
“Regarding Pennsylvania - this is not a corruption scheme, this issue was worked out with the U.S. State Department, with the embassy, and at the presidential level. To say that there is some kind of corrupt scheme is ridiculous…The price that was given is not only for coal, but for quality. By calorie content and heat transfer coefficient, it will be approximately within the limits of South African coal. At the same time, if you look at a map and the logistics, it costs 30-35% less from the USA than from South Africa. When you combine all these factors, you come to an objective solution of this matter,” the minister said.
Nasalik also noted that Ukraine refuses to purchase coal from Russia, while South Africa’s resources are limited and cannot fully cover their needs.
“I believe that having long-term contracts means that we can talk about lowering prices, but on the other hand, I want to emphasize once again that the ministry is not engaged in economic activities. Moreover, we have no right to interfere in economic activities in this sector. On the other hand, the ministry bears all the responsibility,” he concluded.
It was previously reported that the first batch of U.S. anthracite – 85 thousand tons – will be delivered in early September.