GAS BARGAIN IN EASTERN EUROPE

From thieves and liars to best buddies

The Russian and Ukrainian natural gas companies have agreed to resume gas shipments to Ukraine. According to Wednesday's deal, OAO Gazprom will sell gas to a trading company for $230 per 1000 cubic metres and Ukraine will buy gas from the company for $95.

"The talks ended successfully for Gazprom, and Gazprom is completely satisfied," said Alexei Miller, the Gazprom chief.

Can you believe that just two days ago Gazprom was claiming that its Ukrainian counter-part had stolen gas and the latter saying that Gazprom was lying? Hilarious isn’t it? How do you go from sworn enemies to best buddies in less than 48 hours? This is very strange, very strange Indeed.