KIEV, Feb. 20 – The sharp fall in industrial production in Ukraine in January of 16.1% against December 2008 is linked with the international economic crisis, the weakening of the hryvnia, the large number of days off and difficulties with gas supplies, according to the Ukrainian economy ministry.

"A large number of chemical and metals companies in January did not work or worked at minimum capacity due to the uncertainty with gas supplies... The fall in production in January to December is an annual seasonal phenomenon, taking into account the large number of days off," reads the report.