The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the projected balance of the receipt and distribution of natural gas for 2013, Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Eduard Stavytsky told journalists in Kyiv on Monday.

He said that the overall gas balance for 2013 was 60.06 billion cubic meters. At the same time, he did not name the parameters of the balance, saying that they are being specified.

"We are currently finalizing [the parameters] under working procedures. We're planning to approve Naftogaz Ukrainy's financial plan on May 13, at the next meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, given the specifications of the balance," Stavytsky said.

As reported, the projected annual balance of the receipt and distribution of natural gas in Ukraine is drafted, along with Naftogaz, by the Energy and Coal Industry Ministry, the Economic Development and Trade Ministry, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and approved by the government.

Control over the observance of the projected annual balance of the receipt and distribution of natural gas in Ukraine is ensured by the Energy and Coal Industry Ministry, the Economic Development and Trade Ministry and NERC.