Ukraine looks to diversify energy sources

Ukrainian Energy and Coal Minister Yury Prodan proposed on Thursday that the country's energy sources be diversified in response to Russia's decision to raise natural gas price to around 485 U.S. dollars per 1,000 cubic meters. "Let's look for ways to diversify supplies. Because it is a very high price." Prodan told a press conference. Prodan said Ukraine, which plans to import around 30 billion cubic meters of gas this year, is considering European countries, namely Poland and Slovakia as potential suppliers. As of early April, Ukraine's accumulated debt for gas supplies from Russia amounted to around 2 billion dollars, Prodan said, adding that Kiev is seeking a loan from Moscow to pay off the bill. Earlier this month, Russian gas monopoly Gazprom said it canceled discounts on natural gas supplies to Kiev due to the Ukrainian side's non-fulfillment of its debt obligations. In December 2013, Moscow and Kiev signed a deal envisaging cutting prices for Russian gas to 268.5 dollars from 400 dollars. In 2010, Russia and Ukraine signed a "gas for fleet" agreement, with Moscow offering a discount for gas in exchange for extending its lease of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea for another 25 years. Kremlin said the pact no longer valid as Crimea joined Russia after a referendum last month.