Russian gas monopoly accuses Ukraine of siphoning Europe-bound natural gas

[Deja Q]

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/060102/w010224.html

MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's oil monopoly, which has cut off deliveries of natural gas to Ukraine amid a pricing dispute, accused Kyiv Monday of diverting about $25 million US worth of Russian gas intended for customers in other European countries.
(snip)
Supply problems to Europe could undermine western trust in Russia's natural gas industry, one of the keystones of the country's economy, and tarnish Russia's stint as chair of the G8, which formally started Sunday.

"One of the big things going for Russia at the moment is their energy sources. .�.�. But just as Europe is quite heavily dependent on Russia, let's remember it works the other way, Russia is very heavily dependent on Europe as a major customer and Russia has never let down Europe during the Cold War .�.�. and I think Russia now will be mindful of its reputation as a secure energy supplier," British Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks told British Broadcasting Corp. radio on Monday.


Gee, monopoly. The US, with all its corporate mergers, will end up with lots of monopolies. And if this was a US-based oil monopoly, you bet the prices would be a lot more, ditto for cutting off deliveries...

and I'm surprised Russia is the chair of the V8; not America...