Ukraine cut the volume of natural gas transit to Europe and the CIS in January-June 2013 by 11.3% year-on-year to 39.353 billion cubic meters.

Pipeline operator Ukrtransgaz said gas transit to Western Europe for the six months decreased by 10.5%, to 38.227 billion cubic meters, and to CIS countries by 31.8%, to 1.126 billion cubic meters.

In June 2013, gas transit through Ukraine increased by 22.7%, to 7.188 billion cubic meters, including to Europe by 24.8%, to 7.105 billion cubic meters, while transit to the CIS decreased by 49.6% to 82.9 mcm.

In addition, Ukrtransgaz over the first six months of the year transported 25.47 billion cubic meters of natural gas to consumers in the country, which is 7.8% less than in January-June 2012. In June this year, gas transportation to consumers in the country fell by 13.6% compared to June last year, to 1.61 billion cubic meters.

"Despite a drop in imports, Ukrtransgaz is fulfilling all contracts to pump gas via the pipeline network in full and on time," said Serhiy Vynokurov, CEO.

Gas transit to Europe and the CIS fell 19.1% last year to 84.261 bcm.

Ukrtransgaz operates Ukraine's system of trunk gas pipelines and 12 underground gas storage facilities. The throughput capacity of Ukraine's gas transport system is 288 bcm at inlet and 178.5 bcm at outlet, including 142.5 bcm to Europe and 3.5 bcm to Moldova.