KIEV, Nov. 28 – Russian gas giant Gazprom told Ukraine on Wednesday to get ready for a major natural gas price hike compared with price levels previously discussed, following the company’s gas deal with Turkmenistan.

Ukraine, after two months of talks, was this week expected to sign gas supply contracts with Gazprom that fixing the gas price at less than $160 per 1,000 cubic meters in 2008. This will change now.