KIEV, Jan. 15 - The transit of natural gas via Ukraine declined by 19.9% or 23.78 billion cubic meters (bcm), to 96 bcm in 2009, the Fuel and Energy Ministry reported.

In December alone, the transit of natural gas via Ukraine grew by 12% or 1.16 bcm, to 10.86 bcm.

Under gas agreements signed in January 2009, Ukraine's gas transportation system was to transit 120.83 bcm of gas to European countries and Moldova this year, including 29.49 bcm in the first quarter, 30.333 bcm in the second, 27.115 bcm in the third and 33.145 bcm in the fourth.