Ukrainian Journal citing Mr Mykola Azarov Prime Minister as saying that Ukraine asked the International Monetary Fund again for permission to postpone indefinitely a measure hiking natural gas prices for households by 50%.

As per report, repeated delays implementing the measure due April 1 earlier this year led to a postponement of at least a USD 1.5 billion installment from the IMF.

Mr Azarov said “We asked the IMF to postpone this measure until we put everything in order here. This is a normal, real request.”

The Washington based lender had clearly indicated that gas price hike was needed for the lending to resume. Another important legislation needed for the resumption of lending is pension reform that gradually increases retirement age for women to 60 years from 55 years.

(Sourced from Ukrainian Journal)