OREANDA-NEWS. March 18, 2013. Ukraine will reduce consumption of Russian gas if the price for it remains the same. It was stated by the President in the course of joint press conference on the results of negotiations with Latvian President.

“We have been facing a serious problem for 3 years already. We are working over it but still haven’t found a solution. We cannot answer the question why does Ukraine pay the highest price for gas in Europe. If the price remains the same Ukraine will reduce consumption of Russian gas and look for alternative sources,” the Head of State noted.

Viktor Yanukovych stressed that the price for Russian gas was inadmissible for Ukraine. “Our economy cannot endure such a price. Fair market price is the main task of our work,” he said.

The Head of State also drew attention to the fact that Ukrainian-Russian negotiations on gas issue were conducted separately from negotiations on cooperation with Customs Union. “Gas negotiations are separated from the Customs Union. Two different working groups are working on these issues,” the President informed.

The Head of State emphasized that there had been different offers in the course of gas negotiations. “Among recent offers, Ukraine is looking for the balance that would satisfy both parties and bring the result,” Viktor Yanukovych stressed.

According to Viktor Yanukovych, modernization of Ukrainian GTS should be conducted with participation of Europe. “I am confident that the involvement of Europe is essential,” he said.

Speaking of GTS modernization, the President expressed confidence that the solution would be found in the nearest time. “Europe must be confident that Ukraine will guarantee transportation of necessary volume of gas and maintain stable work of GTS. In the nearest time, we will find a solution,” the President noted.