KIEV, Jan. 14 - The amount of net purchases by Ukrainians of foreign currency from banks in 2012 was equivalent to $10.2 billion, which was 24% down on 2011, the National Bank of Ukraine reported.

The NBU reported that individuals in 2012 bought $25.245 billion from the banks, which is 20% down on 2011.

At the same time, the public sold $15.058 billion in foreign currency to the banks, which is 18% up from 2011.

In December 2012, Ukrainians bought foreign currency in equivalent of $1.653 billion, which is 22% down on December 2011. Individuals in December 2012 sold $1.442 billion to the banks, which is 5% up on December 2011.

The net sale of currency by individuals in December 2012 fell by 72% compared to December 2011, to $210 million.