Ukraine's Naftogaz has bought the 18 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia's Gazprom that it targeted in its 2013 gas balance, Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Eduard Stavytsky told reporters.

"The government-approved balance says 18 billion cubic meters. We proceed from that," Stavytsky said.

In other words, Naftogaz has bought all the Russian gas set down in the balance.

Stavytsky did not say how much Russian gas Naftogaz bought in October. "We'll reveal all after November 15. We're waiting for a final telegram from Gazprom, then we'll have more accurate and faithful information," he said.

Stavytsky also said Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities contained 18 billion cubic meters of gas at present. "This is quite enough to get through the heating season," he said.

He also said heat utilities would consume 1 billion cubic meters less gas this year than in 2012.