"I hope that our new rental policy will enable Ukraine not only to stop importing gas, but also to enter the market of natural gas export," stated Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk at a press conference on Tuesday, December 29.

He called the change in rental policy a major step "in order to increase the production of its own gas." "Once again, I note that our goal implies Ukraine should become energy independent within ten years. I hope that our new rental policy will enable Ukraine to stop importing gas and to enter the market of natural gas export within 10 years."

He noted that a reduction in rent rates was aimed primarily at attracting private fair and transparent investment to increase the natural gas production. "According to the formula, the domestic gas price directly hinges on international prices. And if prices in foreign markets go down, it will be correspondingly affect the domestic price, and vice versa," he added.