KIEV, Feb. 22 – Ukraine is not planning to increase the price of gas for the population and industry, President Viktor Yanukovych said while addressing the drill men of the Petro Hodovanets jack-up rig (state-run JSC Chornomornaftogaz) during the Dialogue with the Country live television program on Friday.

"You can be sure that, particularly thanks to your efforts, we will not increase the price of gas for the population and industry," Yanukovych said.

The president added that the government understands very well what competitiveness means to Ukraine's economy.