KIEV, July 8 - Ukrgazvydobuvannia, Ukraine's major gas extraction company, increased gas extraction in January to June by 0.6%, or by 44 million cubic meters compared to the same period in 2007, to 7.443 billion cubic meters.

The company said that Ukrburgaz drilling subdivision of Ukrgazvydobuvannia in H1, 2008 boosted exploratory drilling by 25%, to 76,717 meters, and general drilling work totaled 134,507 meters.