KIEV, March 14 – The price of imported natural gas for Ukraine could grow to $293 per 1,000 cubic meters in Q2, in the third quarter it could rise to $313, and in the fourth quarter to $347, according to Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yuriy Boyko.

"If we take the formula, the price of gas in the first quarter is $264 per 1,000 cubic meters, in Q2 - $293, in Q3 - $313 and in Q4 - $347, he said in an interview with the Fifth TV Channel.

The minister said that the Ukrainian government is increasing natural gas stocks in the first quarter of 2011, which would allow it to balance out future prices and prevent a sharp rise in the price of gas for industrial consumers and households.