KIEV, Nov. 21 - The Ukrainian government increased 10.3% natural gas price forecast in the 2008 budget draft as it anticipates higher gas prices following the on-going talks with Russia, Finance Minister Mykola Azarov said Wednesday.

The government boosted the price to $160 per 1,000 cubic meters, up from $145/1,000 cu m forecast originally, as it is under pressure to approve the budget before the end of the year. Ukraine’s fiscal year coincides with the calendar year.