KIEV, Oct. 22 – Increases in excise duties on oil products and rental payments for gas subsequently sold to commercial companies are needed to diversify the revenue side of the state budget in conditions of financial crisis, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The government will submit these proposals to Parliament for approval, she said.

"All funds from the increase of excise on oil products would be used for the construction of roads and bridges. In this way we will support employment and the basic sectors," she said.