Ukraine Tightens Belt On Gas Exports, Boosts Domestic Production.

According to the Energy Ministry, ’s gas exports dropped by 45% in 2005, from 4.9 bln cm to 2.7 bln cm.  In related news, ’s largest producer of domestic gas UkrGazVydobuvannya announced plans to increase production 3.7% in 2006 and by an additional 8.6% in 2007 bringing the company’s total gas production to 16.5 bln cubic meters in 2007. UkrGazUydobuyannya’s announcement came on the back a joint agreement between the company and ChornomorNaftoGaz to exact gas from a field in the Black Sea near Odessa . The companies said that they believe the field holds around 18.6 bln cubic meters of gas and that they plan to start extraction in March.