OREANDA-NEWS The total amount of overdue debt for the supplied gas in Russia in 2018 increased by 6.6% to 180.9 billion rubles, according to the message of Gazprom.

The Board of Directors of the company reviewed information on strengthening payment discipline in gas supplies on the domestic market and measures taken to repay the debt for the supplied gas, including cooperation with the authorities to improve the legislation in terms of payment for gas.

"In 2018, the company delivered 5.5% more gas to domestic consumers through the gas transportation system than in 2017. At the same time, the total amount of overdue debt for the delivered gas in Russia in 2018 increased by 11.2 billion rubles (6.6%) — from 169.7 to 180.9 billion rubles," the report said.

This amount does not take into account the assignment of debt claims of Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Pyatigorsk in 2017, the work on the recovery of which continues.

It is noted that as in previous years, among the most problematic consumers are heat supply organizations. They account for 33% of the total overdue debt.

It is also reported that Gazprom continues its systematic work aimed at strengthening the payment discipline of Russian consumers, including within the framework of the activities of the special Commission under the Board of Directors.

"Largely thanks to this work, in 2018 — the third year in a row — the growth of the all-Russian level of payments for gas was ensured. In 2016, it amounted to 97.2%, in 2017 — 97.3%, in 2018 — 97.8%. Another important indicator of the strengthening of payment discipline was the increase in the number of regions that ensured the reduction of overdue debt — from 26 (in 2017) to 30," the release notes.