Well, the transit fees could also be quadrupled, as a counterproposal. ==
They couldn't do that because Russia then quadripled the transit fees for Turmenian gas she pumps for Ukraine.
Then more than quadrupled - say, fifty-folded. The Russians could charge whatever they want for their gas - fair enough, but by the same logic only the sky is the limit for what the Ukrainians could charge for the rights of transit of the stuff over their territory. Baltic bypass pipeline is an excellent solution to the whole mess, but until it is ready [something like 4 years], some accommodation will have to be reached.