Gas Prices Increased for Non-Industrial Consumers.

New gas prices came into effect on July 1 for all categories of consumers except industry. The rates per thousand cubic mutes for homes, state institutions and heating utilities was raised to $80.6, $128.3 and $135.8, respectively, up from $43.6, $71.3 and $75.9. The rates were $34.7, $45.7 and 47.8 before two previous increases in January and May. Vladimir Nesterenko: Although painful for some consumers, it’s important to fully pass on the price increase to encourage efficiency and stabilize Naftogaz Ukrainy, which has been accumulating debts all year. We expect another 25-30% domestic gas price increase in the beginning of 2007, following the price hike for imported gas in 4Q06.