KIEV, Sept. 7 – Naftogaz Ukrayiny is to buy 32 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas from OJSC Gazprom in 2010, which is a similar volume to gas purchases in 2009 but lower than the 52 bcm stipulated in the contract for 2009-2019, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said.

"We'll suggest we could buy 32 bcm of natural gas next year," she said at a press conference in Kiev on Monday.

"We have full right to submit such a request for the amounts Ukraine needs," she said. "And we have the right to apply for 32 billion. If we consume less, it could even be 27 billion."