KIEV, July 6 - Ukraine will need 68.156 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2012, according to the country's forecast gas balance.

Ukraine will produce 20.727 bcm of gas itself, import 35.124 bcm and tap 12.305 bcm from underground storage facilities, according to the balance, which the government has endorsed.

National oil and gas company Naftogaz will import 27 bcm and Dmytro Firtash's Ostchem Holding Limited will import 8.124 bcm.

Consumers in Ukraine will receive 49.809 bcm of gas, including industry - 23.629 bcm, households and religious organizations - 17.1 bcm, heating organizations - 8.15 bcm and public-sector organizations - 0.93 bcm.