Interfax Ukraine reported that Ukraine national oil and gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy more than doubled its selection of imported gas in the middle of last week as compared to the first half of this month.

Fuel and Energy Dispatch Center reported that Ukraine selected a little over 50 million cubic meters per day from January 5 to 17 but that had reached 115 million cubic meters by January 21. Gazprom has yet to comment.

Kyiv said recently that due to rising prices for Russian gas Ukraine intended to substantially reduce the amount of gas it imports in 2012 to 27 billion cubic meters.

Gazprom has said the contract for this year stipulates 52 billion cubic meters and the least amount selectable under a 'take or pay' provision written into the agreement is 41.6 billion cubic meters. In confirmation of statements about a change in import-gas needs, Naftogaz Ukrainy sharply increased the amount of gas it took out of its own storage facilities.

This change took place on the next day after a meeting on a constructive basis between Gazprom CEO Mr Alexei Miller and Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Mr Yuriy Boiko. However, icy weather has set in in Russia and neighbouring countries.

(Sourced from Interfax-Ukraine)