Ukraine will do without anthracite coal in 18 months, Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Ihor Nasalyk has said.

"In 18 months we would not raise the issue of anthracite coal purchases for thermal power plants (TPPs). We would still have to buy it for combined heat and power plants (CHPPs)," he told reporters after a government meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Nasalyk said that at present units two and five of Zmiyivska TPP are being re-equipped, as well as unit four of Trypilska TPP. DTEK Prydniprovska TPP and DTEK Kryvy Rih TPPs are actively re-equipping their units.

Donbasenergo decided to switch to gas coal.

"Only CHPPs will consume some anthracite coal," he said.

The minister said that a contract to supply anthracite from the United States has been preliminary approved.

"A contract for two ships has been preliminary approved. We have made changes with Infrastructure Ministry, so that they do not cross with the ships going from South Africa. We have one problem – the price of anthracite coal depends on the period for which the long-term contract is signed. I can say that in 18 months we would not need anthracite coal," he said.

The minister said that taking into account existing stocks and last year stocks, Ukraine has twice more coal than a year ago.

"I do not see problems with passing the coming heating season," Nasalyk said.