KIEV, April 12 ??“ Naftogaz Ukrayiny, the national oil and gas company, plans to invest up to $400 million this year in development of oil and gas fields overseas, Finance Minister Viktor Pynzenyk said Wednesday.

The figure was disclosed as the government is currently scrutinizing Naftogaz??™ books amid rumors that the company has been facing a major financial crunch due to state controls on gas prices.