Arseniy Yatsenyuk: We proved be able to get rid of Russian gas dependence

Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk stands for "zero" Russian gas consumption, the Prime Minister told this in an interview with the program TSN. Tyzhden on 1 + 1 channel on Sunday, February 15.

"We have proved that we are able to get rid of Russian gas dependence," he emphasized, recalling that in 2013 Ukraine was buying 95% of gas in Russia, and in 2014 we acquired 67% of gas in the European Union and 33% - in Russia "I want it [consumption of Russian gas - ed.] to be reduced to zero."

"We have almost overcome the winter. Few people hoped that we would pass it. I said that it wouldn’t be warm, but we would not freeze - and it was warm and we didn’t freeze. But we need to think more about the real energy independence and efficiency of the country. And by increasing domestic production of oil and gas, we can also significantly increase our energy efficiency," Arseniy Yatsenyuk underlined.

He stressed a need for conducting changes and reform, including in the energy sector.

The Prime Minister emphasized a need for gradual, within two years, "reaching the real price of natural gas": "Of course, on the one hand, this will lead to an increase in prices and tariffs. On the other hand, it will be accompanied by programs of energy saving and energy efficiency."

Last year, he reminded, the Government had provided a 20-percent rebate to those who had been replacing gas boilers with energy saving ones through the Oschadbank program.

In addition, Arseniy Yatsenyuk informed, the Government would announce a new approach to calculating subsidies and benefits for citizens. Every citizen will receive an application and a declaration by mail and after filling in these papers shall be sent to the social service, "Social service will independently make a decision as to granting an appropriate subsidy."

The Government provides UAH12.5 billion from the state budget to finance subsidies.

After the changes in energy prices and tariffs, Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed, Ukraine would have the opportunity to increase its own gas production.