Sliding gas prices in Eastern Europe will allow

Sliding gas prices in Eastern Europe will allow Naftogaz to charge Ukrainian households 2% less for gas in April than in March, the state energy company reports. Last November’s move to raise household gas prices by 23.5%, toward the regional market parity, is a big issue in the campaigning before the March 31 presidential election and the expected April 21 runoff. In April, industrial customers will pay 19% less for their gas. UNIAN calculates the industrial price of $262/1,000 cubic meters will be 14% cheaper than household gas. Due to dropping gas prices at European gas hubs, Ukraine’s prices are now at import parity. The government plans to talk with the IMF to drop a December commitment to raise gas prices by another 15% in May.