PM Groysman says gas prices for population to decline by 2020

"I want Ukraine to become a state that provides itself with its own gas. As soon as this happens, we will be able to reduce gas prices by 20-30%," the prime minister told Ukraine's ICTV channel.

He went on to say that the gas price could be reduced as soon as 2020.

"This can be done fundamentally in 2020. Populists could do it at any moment by simply saying that the price will be lower. But if we say this, then in a year everything will plunge," Groysman added.

According to him, in order to gain energy independence, the government needs to focus on achieving economic growth of over 5%.

Read alsoNaftogaz CEO: Ukraine should resume imports of Russian gas in 2018As UNIAN reported, Groysman earlier announced the government plans to increase by 2020 the extraction of natural gas, as one of the major energy sources to 27 billion cubic meters, which will fully cover domestic demand.

The government also planned to launch gas exports after 2020. The same goals are reflected in the Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2035 earlier adopted by the government.