Ukraine's government has raised domestic household gas prices by a staggering 50% from August 1 as part of its measures to balance the budget and get much-needed funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
A gradual increase in natural gas prices for the Ukrainian population to what the government says is an economically justified level is a major condition of Ukraine's cooperation with the IMF, which has pledged to allocate a $15.15 billion loan to the ex-Soviet republic.
The opposition led by ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko who lost the presidential election earlier this year to Viktor Yanukovych has appealed against the government's decision in a court of law.
RIA Novosti
