Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's forecast that the country should import around 27 billion cubic meters of gas next year is correct, taking into account a forecast by Ukraine's state gas firm Naftogaz that Ukraine will have to consume around 46 billion cubic meters next year, according to Bohdan Sokolovsky, the Ukrainian president's commissioner for international energy security.
“According to the company’s official information, Ukraine will consume 46 billion cubic meters of natural gas next year. Therefore, the figure of 27 billion cubic meters mentioned by the premier is more or less correct, whereas another of her forecasts – at 25 billion cubic meters – taking into Naftogaz’s forecast for consumption, is completely incorrect,” he told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.
Sokolovsky said that Ukraine’s proposals to reduce the amount of Russian gas to be imported in 2010 would be viewed by Gazprom with understanding.
