Ukraine's Naftogaz to buy 26 bcm of gas from Gazprom in 2012 - minister

The Ukrainian national gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy will buy 26 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia's Gazprom in 2012, Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yuriy Boiko said on Inter television channel on Friday.

"We will buy 26 billion cubic meters [of gas] from Russia this year. We earlier announced 27 but will buy 26," he said.

Ukraine will pay only for the amount of gas it will actually consume, despite Russia's objections, Boiko said.

"Next year we will further cut purchases from Gazprom if the price is not lowered," he said.