The Energy and Coal Industry Ministry of Ukraine has said that the country could import anthracite coal from various countries, Head of the European integration department at the Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Ministry Mykhailo Bno-Airiyan wrote on his Facebook page.

"Reporters [during a visit of and Coal Industry Minister Volodymyr Demchyshyn to Dnipropetrovsk region] asked about the supplies of coal to power generating companies of the region. It is likely that we will import anthracite from various countries. This is the position of the minister," he said.

The press service of the ministry reported that sources of coal imports will be selected by the heads of power generating companies, taking into account quality and price.

"We've agreed the required volumes of coal with top managers of the plants [thermal power plants in Dnipropetrovsk region] to ensure the stable passing of the heating season. At least 200,000 tonnes of coal is to be prepared for each of them. At present, we've formed certain resources on the energy market to buy coal. Purchases will be more active from June. The ministry believes that we will have to import coal," the press service said, citing Demchyshyn.