KIEV, Aug. 29 - Ukrtransgaz, the operator of Ukraine's gas transport system, will halve gas transportation in the direction of the Balkans while its pipeline undergoes repairs, Ukrtransgaz spokesman Maksym Beliavsky told Interfax-Ukraine.

"Now we are about to begin preparations for repairing the stretch of the main gas line running to the Balkans where a flaw was detected. During the repairs, pressure will reduce and gas shipments via the Orlovka gas metering station to the consumers in the Balkan direction will halve, 40 to 18 million cubic meters per day," he said.

In his words, the repairs may take up to eight days.