The Ukrainian authorities have set a task for NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine to become the so-called national operator in the oil products market. This is necessary to ensure price fairness in the market.

Yuriy Vitrenko, head of the NJSC, told Interfax-Ukraine about this in an interview.

"Naftogaz should be the operator of the national network, so that there is no question of high prices. This task was set by the President. Also, we can be an effective tool for the state to cooperate with the world's largest companies on the resource," he said.

He noted that when competition in the market is imperfect, the emergence of a state player makes it a price leader and eliminates state price regulation.

"When there is a state player with a significant market share - 15-20-30%, that is, not 100%, but also not 1%, then there is more confidence that consumers have the opportunity to buy at a fair competitive price ... If the network takes 30% of the market, it already gives people a real alternative. In its turn, this will also force private operators not to raise prices", Vitrenko said.

Vitrenko specified that "Naftogaz" has not yet gained control over the network of gas stations Glusco. "There are some nuances there, but I hope that the state will show some will and we will have control over the gas stations," said the head of the NJSC board.

Recall that on May 13, Prime Minister Denis Shmygal announced the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers to transfer 172 gas stations Glusco in the management of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine. The network is linked to MP Viktor Medvedchuk, who is suspected of treason.

In addition, Naftogaz's 100% subsidiary Ukrhazvydobuvannya has a network of 21 U.GO gas stations in Kharkiv and Kharkiv Region, while Ukrnafta, in which the NJSC has a 50%+1 share, owns 537 gas stations.