Ukraine's GDP growth in the first half of 2010 was around 6.3%, according to Ukrainian Premier Mykola Azarov.
"In H1, 2010 GDP growth was around 6.3%," he said, opening a cabinet meeting on July 21.
The prime minister said that a rise in industrial output, cargo flows and domestic commodity turnover has been seen.
Azarov said during the meeting that the announced increase in gas prices for households, heat supply companies and industrial companies would help cut the deficit of National JSC Naftogaz Ukrainy and promote the development of Ukrainian gas extraction and the utility service economy,
"We should find ways out of the situation. We cannot continue developing with the present debt. Sooner or later, we should make a decision and start developing the utility service economy, Naftogaz Ukrainy and energy saving," Azarov told the First National TV channel on July 20.
The premier said that even an increase of gas prices for households and heat supply companies of 50% from August 1 would not cover the production cost of imported gas in full.
"We should drop the mistaken [distinction] that we have Ukrainian-extracted and imported gas… Ukrainian-extracted gas is not sufficient to cover the needs of households. Around 20 billion cubic meters of imported gas is used for the said purpose," the premier said.
