2.5 billion UAH of state subsidies are needed to balance the coal industry.
“Last year we spent 1.2 billion UAH to compensate the prime cost difference. But to completely balance the industry we need 2.5 billion UAH. If we spend this money on equipment, we will allow companies to pay salaries on their own, without waiting for our help”, said the Ministry of energy and coal industry head Vladimir Demchyshin.
The Ministry also wants to attract investors into the industry, as coal still remains an important fuel.
“Coal consumption levels will remain the same, even if nuclear and hydro energy keep developing”, he added. (Ukrainian metal)