OREANDA-NEWS. March 28, 2011. Ukraine will increase mining of own oil. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov said at the National Assembly of deputies of councils at all levels of the Party of Regions.

"Of course, we have to increase output of own oil. Indeed, this year we are working hard to begin exploration of new fields, and from exploration to development, as you know, the years pass. But nevertheless, such work has begun, it would be maintained, and we certainly will increase oil production", - Mykola Azarov emphasized. He added that Ukraine produces about 2 million tons of its own oil while our domestic market by about 60% consists of imported mineral oil. He said that if Ukraine mined at least half of the required quantity of oil, and the share of petroleum produced in the market was at least 70%, then the Government could affect the price situation on the oil market.

The Head of Government criticized the unreasonable demands of the opposition immediately increase oil production. "Our critics say: we need to increase output of its own oil. And let us together will increase! To increase oil production by about 1 million tons, it is necessary to invest approximately USD 10 billion and work a few years", - Mykola Azarov emphasized.