KIEV, Dec. 25 – Ukrainian experts have forecast that the price of gas for Ukraine in 2009 will be $250 per 1,000 cu.m., according to a poll conducted by the Center for Corporate Relations Studies on Dec. 17-18.

Fifteen experts in the economy, energy and gas business were polled.

According to the poll, which was made available to Interfax-Ukraine, the majority of respondents believe that the price of gas for Ukraine next year will be considerably higher. In particular, 54% of respondents said that the price will grow to $250 per 1,000 cu.m., 33% to $230 and 13% of them are convinced that the price will remain the same as this year, $179.5.